Bullying is a huge epidemic occurring in our schools among our children. It’s a topic discussed by many and yet we can’t seem to find a solution. So the Miami Dolphins are knee-deep in a bullying discussion and yet all I hear are crickets. Bullying can occur to anyone and when Jonathan Martin walked away from his team, taking himself out of the situation, he was criticized for not being man enough. The general manager took upon himself to all but encourage a fight. This is what our children call a role model?? Miley Cyrus may swing on a wreaking ball naked but she hasn’t hurt anyone so I say she’s ahead of the game!
These men are idolized by little eyes and have not taken on the responsibility to speak out and make a statement directly to these children. Many kids play a team sport and some may be hazed or teased for a certain reason not knowing what to do, looks to a role model and there isn’t any guidance. Should he stand up for himself? Should he quit? Should he talk? Should he stay quiet? All questions a bullied child may ask and here is this situation directly relating to him but here’s what comes from it. A man walks away and is criticized so the kid stays on the team acting as man as he can. He then hears he should fight back, so he does. Now he’s potentially kicked off the team and suspended from school. That didn’t solve anything. Now there’s a kid sitting at home angry and now planning what to do next. Here comes the violence.
Now yes, this is an exaggerated situation but it only takes one kid to feel this way and act this way for someone to get seriously hurt. If the NFL players looked at this situation and thought about how many little eyes watch them weekly and want to be just like them, would they still remain quiet? Or would they be “man enough” to make a statement to give some guidance?
There is no correct answer in situations like this but I think we can all agree it definitely is not violence! Parents, teachers and coaches can only do so much. Of course they want to be told about circumstances like this but then the bully needs to be caught in the act in order to give out a punishment. Bullies are generally very smart and can escape getting caught in the act, especially if they are aware an adult has knowledge of situation.
I’m not asking for an answer I’m not even asking for a solution. I’m asking grown men to stand up and decide to say something about this. Something positive and constructive for little ears to learn from and act in a way that doesn’t pursue violence. This is an epidemic we as humans need to ban together and try to help stop, for the future of our children and the world.
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