Archives For Bully
You’re looking at a guy who was not necessarily accepted by the masses. I was pointed out as different by my peers, and they were right, I was different.
I didn’t like the same music kids my age listened too. I didn’t watch the same TV shows. I didn’t even read the same literature!
I was 11-years-old when I started watching the “State of the Union” address on TV and analyzing the speeches myself, literally rolling my eyes at the commentary.
But, there’s something kind of fascinating about that kind of experience growing up. You realize quickly that you won’t be fully accepted by EVERYONE!
And you know what, that’s fine! I have come to terms with it!
What about you?
Dear Bullies:
You, yes you! I certainly hope you are doing well, wait, no, I hope you are doing great!
You know those times that you and your crew talked about me at the bus stop, on the school bus, in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria and even during recess!? How about the times you sought out to embarrass me and try to rip out the single bit of dignity and self-esteem that I had until I was in tears?
NOW you remember!? Good, great, I just wanted to solidify and clarify the history here.
Well, I just wanted to let you know that in spite of all the things that you did…I forgive you!
In fact, not only do I forgive you, but I thank you!
In fact, I rejoice! Besides, it wasn’t about me anyway, but what was being done and proven through me!
I know this sounds strange, but truth is, I’m stronger now because of it!
No, I haven’t been working out! I’m still kind of on the skinny side, wears glasses, read a lot and so forth!
How do I know I’m stronger!? Romans 5:3-5 says “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. “
My hope and prayer is that you and every bully out there knows that their strength comes not from brute force, harsh words or intimidation of others, but comes from knowing God and through His power and strength enduring through life’s issues, and in turn, becoming stronger.
And want to know something else!? Even after going through all of that…even after enduring the verbal and physical abuse…I don’t even look like I suffered!
So…Thanks! Because, as Joseph said in Genesis 5:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Disney Channel‘s Original Series, “Phineas and Ferb,” is one of my favorite programs on TV right now. I am a fan of the show for many reasons and I do believe that their is much to be learned from the show, especially when it comes to creativity and leadership.
The 5 things that I learned from “Phineas and Ferb” are the following:
- Ask yourself and know, “what are YOU going to do today!?”
- Never be afraid to experiment with something new and beneficial!
- Never be afraid of getting busted!
- Let your friends participate in your creative work, especially if they are as psyched and excited as you are!
- Keep a positive attitude
Cartoon Network’s First Original Documentary "Stop Bullying: Speak Up" Premieres Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) With an Encore at 8 p.m. (ET, PT). Cartoon Daily News is doing extensive coverage on the topic of "Bullying" and invites all readers to get involved in the discussion as well as be a part of the solution.
Even after heavy media-driven coverage on the topic of bullying in years past, the issue still remains fresh on the minds of kids! Interestingly enough, a lot of kids and adults are interested in valuable and reasonable solutions to help stop bullying according to Cartoon Network’s Vice President of Social Responsibility, Alice Cahn.
The Cartoon Network documentary, “Stop Bullying: Speak Up,” which is set to air on Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) is part of an initiative to “really focus on teaching kids those behaviors they want to learn…those behaviors that make them allies and active bystanders.” Needless to say, the documentary is not an attempt at teaching kids to physically fight back bullying, but to teach them so they will “know how to step in safely” and “what to say that’s going to be effective.”
“We also need to teach adults what to do when they [kids] come with questions,” says Cahn. She also pointed out that kids should be able to tell an adult they can trust as well as be able to go to an adult who can do something about the bullying.
Cahn pointed out that while doing the documentary she realized that the mindset amongst most youth when it comes to bullying is “can somebody help me, I think I can fix this.” While some youth may chose to stay in the shadows, many others are interested in trying to make a difference.
Cahn and I also talked briefly about one of the articles recently posted on Cartoon Daily News regarding my own experiences with bullies. Cahn addressed the feeling some children and teens may have when they speak up and at the same time their fears of negative results.
“Its that hiding…that shame, that maybe I did something wrong, that makes you as the victim feel worse,” said Cahn.
Some may find it a little peculiar for Cartoon Network to be the place to promote an anti-bully initiative, but Cahn made it clear that it was Cartoon Network’s obligation to not only entertain their 98 million plus viewers, but to also consider the overall well being of their young viewers.
“There is no better place than Cartoon Network because we got kids who really care about this issue,” said Cahn. “Children come to us because they want to spend time with our characters…we are there for their entertainment and engagement…but we are a youth network…and we have a responsibility.” Cartoon Network also partnered with their colleagues on brands like CNN and Time, Inc. in order to promote the discussion on bullying.
Cartoon Network is planning to continue the discussion of bullying as long as needed and intends to continue their outreach in the community.
“This is something, like anything, when you’re raising children, you need to keep saying it over and over and over again and say it different ways because kids learn in different ways…we will continue to focus on this message,” said Cahn.
“Stop Bullying: Speak Up,” will air on Sunday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Cartoon Network.
Related articles
- Stop Bullying, Part 2: The Boy Who Was Bullied (cartoondailynews.com)
