Bullying is not just a part of growing up. Just because
something happens does not mean that it is normal or should be
tolerated. I am aware that many people 'live through' their
bullying and think that it is enculturated into childhood - but
that opinion only holds up in the mind of someone who was
victimized and then grows past the problem. Not all children are
so resilient - particularly those who already have differences
from the 'social norm' that are causing them to be targeted. The
need for a different level of bullying intervention is brought
to a tragic light for us locally in Western NY because of the
apparent suicide of a high school student over this weekend.
Perhaps I don't have much to say, or maybe I just feel like
anything I was going to say feels like it rings a little hollow
in context of the real story. Please go read about Jamey
Rodemeyer. He perceived himself as different and perhaps was
victimized because of these differences. Sometimes these
differences are in disability status, or in p