An article on Fox News found HERE speaks to the string of suicides in the United States that have been linked to bullying. This article tells the story of Amber Cornwell who took her life at the age of 16. We send our love and condolences to Amber's family and friends.
My heart breaks for those families and kids who are either grieving or wrestling with thoughts of ending their life. Every time a news story comes out like this, it makes me want to rally even stronger against bullying. We have got to change the mindset of kids and administrators alike that this is no laughing matter and is a very serious conversation.
"It's a Wonderful Life" plays across America around Christmas time because not only is it a classic but because there are lessons to be learned and held onto. I'm sure I'm not the only one who cries when George Bailey realizes what a wonderful life he has led and without him the town he grew up in would have been completely different. It causes me to look at my own life and be thankful for the loving family and friends that I have as well as force me to take a stand against those whose attitude mirrors Mr. Potter. Honestly, I can't see a realistic reason that would ever make it ok to push anyone down underneath your thumb. There have been studies done on why people bully such as they are being bullied, they are afraid of being bullied or they are feeling bad about themselves so they in turn force others to feel the same. All of these are terrible reasons to bully, but there is no right reason either.
My personal New Year's Resolution is to be more verbal about my stance on this issue. So when I see someone being bullied at work or when I'm babysitting, I will say something. I hope you will join me and take a stand to make our children safer and elimite suicides caused by bullying. There needs to be a change and the new year is a perfect way to start! Happy New Year!!!!
--Ruth Jackson
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
A Christmas Story
Christmas is just around the corner!! Can you believe it? Before we know it, we will all have to double check we wrote the date right! Many awesome things in store for Nobul in the coming year and we would like to thank you for reading our blog and being a part of what Nobul stands for.
Today, I came across an article about an actor in the movie 'A Christmas Story' who decided to stand up against bullying. Zack Ward, who played Scut Farkus, talks about how he feels about the issue penetrating kids and teens' lives across America. This is definitely a conversation that needed to happen and still does.
"I don't believe that children who are happy and content and feel loved and supported — those children don't go out and bully anybody," says Ward, who continued his career in acting in films such as Transformers, Almost Famous and numerous TV shows. Ward's point is very important it highlights the fact that we shouldn't just treat the symptoms of bullying, rather we need to go directly to the source. Sure, we can tell kids "don't bully one another" but if we don't offer an alternative or talk to the parents about the problem in depth, we will accomplish nothing. I love the fact that the actor who plays a bully sees the negative implications of his "actions."
I'm glad that his role of being the bully brought changes to Zack's understanding of the world as well as the harm that bullying can do. Not everyone has to play a bully in a movie or play in order to understand that bullying isn't a good thing. Personally, I'm extremely thankful for Zack sharing his point of view and encouraging others to be nicer to each other. We should be doing this year round, not just around Christmas time.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday whatever you celebrate!
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I came across an article about an actor in the movie 'A Christmas Story' who decided to stand up against bullying. Zack Ward, who played Scut Farkus, talks about how he feels about the issue penetrating kids and teens' lives across America. This is definitely a conversation that needed to happen and still does.
"I don't believe that children who are happy and content and feel loved and supported — those children don't go out and bully anybody," says Ward, who continued his career in acting in films such as Transformers, Almost Famous and numerous TV shows. Ward's point is very important it highlights the fact that we shouldn't just treat the symptoms of bullying, rather we need to go directly to the source. Sure, we can tell kids "don't bully one another" but if we don't offer an alternative or talk to the parents about the problem in depth, we will accomplish nothing. I love the fact that the actor who plays a bully sees the negative implications of his "actions."
I'm glad that his role of being the bully brought changes to Zack's understanding of the world as well as the harm that bullying can do. Not everyone has to play a bully in a movie or play in order to understand that bullying isn't a good thing. Personally, I'm extremely thankful for Zack sharing his point of view and encouraging others to be nicer to each other. We should be doing this year round, not just around Christmas time.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday whatever you celebrate!
--Ruth Jackson
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