If you happen to see elementary and high school students wearing pink today (Wednesday, Feb. 29) it is because they and others are taking a stand against bullying.
Feb. 29 is Pink Shirt Day – a movement that started when a student in Nova Scotia had been bullied for wearing pink and other students mobilized and wore pink in response.
Bullying has no place anywhere – school and otherwise – and much has been said about how some bullies have low self-esteem and are merely trying to feel good about themselves or how some are acting out of jealousy.
If you are a student being bullied, as hard as it may be to do, talk to someone about it. You might feel shame at first but eventually you probably will feel a great sense of relief – it’s not good to keep things bottled up.
Above all things, never consider suicide as a number of other bullying victims have – if you are being bullied for being “weak,” taking your own life will only prove the bully or bullies right.
If anything, realize that the bullies have issues of their own and let it thicken your skin so to speak – realize that while words can hurt, being able to brush aside insults will be an asset as you mature.
You might be feeling despair but know that you can get through this and go on to better things.
Actor Robert Pattinson of Twilight movie trilogy was bullied as a child and so was the man often referred to as the Leader of the Free World, U.S. President Barack Obama – both are doing pretty well for themselves.
Singer Christina Aguilera had her tires slashed after winning singing contests, reportedly because people resented her vocal talent, but she just soldiered on pursuing her dream.
Prince Harry of Wales was bullied for having red hair, or being “ginger” as it is called.
Comedian Chris Rock was said to be the only African-American kid at school and was the victim of physical and racial abuse but has turned that negative energy into his brand of biting standup comedy.
Learn to ignore what people say and realize your self-worth – what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.
– Grand Forks Gazette