I just saw this commercial or public service announcement for “digital harassment”. This kid has all kinds of derogatory names and comments tattooed on his body. Someone texts him and he tells the tattoo artist that he has a new one he wants tattooed. Are you effin’ kidding me?!
Look, before people call me insensitive and all that, let me tell you a little story. I have been overweight all my life. And every since I can remember I was made fun of because of it. I even remember this one time where another chubby kid that lived next to me was being picked on by some kids at school. I go over and help him out. But since my jokes about them were more insulting than theirs about him, they decide that physical violence was called for. So I tell my chubby friend to get back to back with me and as soon as we get the chance we run like hell. He manages to kick one of them right in the babymaker and I push two more over the hunched over guy and we ran as fast as our chubby feet would carry us. I went through all my school years defending myself from people making fun of me. If anything I appreciate it because it made me quick on my feet with the comebacks. I have lost that talent as of late ’cause there’s fewer bullies now as an adult. But the one thing that helped me the most, was my dad. He taught me so much. And one of the most important things he taught me was that words will NEVER hurt me. The moment I let someone’s words affect me, they have more control over my life than I do. The only person that should affect my mood is me. And that stuck with me. When I was picked on, I managed to anger others with my simple words, even to the point that they wanted to fight. All I did was embarrass them and walk away.
Have we really raised our kids to be so sensitive that some idiot calling them names makes them this depressed? Stop and think for one second. If all you do is go around telling your kids to tell someone if they’re being picked on and that there is help if they need it, what do you think that tells them about you. ”If YOU have a problem come tell me and we’ll talk.” So, if they never come to you, the problem will never get addressed. What you’re really saying is, “My life is so filled with problems that I do not have time to pay attention and notice that something is bothering you. But if you feel like adding to my problems by telling me yours, please make an appointment so I can take on more of a burden.” Now, would you really tell your problems to someone like that? NO! Or the good old, “Tell a teacher or your counselor” or “We can get you help.” Basically you’re telling your kids that you’re too busy to deal with it yourself. Yes, we are not perfect and we may not be capable of handling this situation ourselves. But at least make the effort and then let them know that if they need ADDITIONAL help, it is available.
Yes, I know. I don’t have kids so I wouldn’t understand. Whatever. I had two GREAT parents who I learned tremendously from, and I have plenty of surrogate kids in my life that confide in me all the time. The real problem is that adults are trying so hard to provide their kids with EVERYTHING they didn’t have as kids, that they forget the most important part…. attention. I tell people all the time. Yes, I was a spoiled only child. My mom worked odd hours to provide for me. And she spoiled me when ever she could. One, she did it because she was making sure she enjoyed every possible moment she could with me. And two, I would gladly have given away ALL my toys for her to have had a regular job and have been able to spend more time with me. I do not regret anything, she is the greatest woman I have ever known. And I know some GREAT women.
Stop passing the buck. Talk to your kids. Teach them to be strong. Let’s put child psychologists out of business. Let’s stop expecting the world to raise our kids for us. Instead of teaching our kids to be so sensitive, why not teach them how to tell people to go F’ themselves when it’s deserved. Let’s stop raising such wimps. And bullies too, while we’re at it.
Don’t fix the problem, prevent it.
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AC
