Dare to be Different

Mauvreen Allan, Grade 8

In communities all around the world, bullying takes place every day. There are many different kinds; some you can see, others go on "behind the scenes." One of the most common ways in which people are bullied seems harmless but can in fact be very hurtful. This kind of bullying happens between friends, with comments directed at your clothing or style. Often, kids go to school or a friend’s house and experience negative criticism because their "friends" do not like what they’re wearing. Their friends may say things along the lines of "I'm sorry but that’s hideous, it looks like something an old person bought you." They say it in a harmless way, not thinking that it could actually hurt someone. If a friend ever says something like that to you, then maybe you need to evaluate if they’re truly your friend. Even if they say "sorry” or "don’t take it personally," it’s still extremely rude, and if it hurts you, don’t just pretend everything’s fine, call them out. Tell them it’s rude and it hurt you. Tell them you don’t care what they think about your clothes, if you like them then it doesn’t matter what other people think. They’re not the "Fashion Police." Dare to be yourself, even if it’s different from other people! If you ever see anyone being bullied or you’re a victim then tell someone, don’t just close your eyes and pretend the problem doesn’t exist. You can do something to help them or yourself. You can do something in your community to prevent bullying. Don’t just sit back and watch do, something about it; don’t help the bully by doing nothing. Maybe someone you love is being bullied and you don’t even know, maybe you’re bulling people without knowing. Every word said can have an impact on someone, negative or positive. Think before you speak. If you’re a victim, then don’t put up with bullying, you can make it stop. Tell someone or talk to the bully, don’t just hide. If you hide then that bully will not only continue to bully you, but other people, and they won’t learn to stop. Help everyone out by speaking up, whether you’re the victim or not. Help the world, save a soul.