This image represents a cultural issue that many face every day: Bullying. In the comic, Sergio’s classmates attack him because he doesn’t have fashionable clothes and they are “very old and ugly” according to these two guys. They give mean comments to Sergio and laugh about him, just because he doesn’t have the look they like. So, Sergio is a victim of bullying.
Bullying is, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. Of course nobody wants to be mistreated and the ones who are bullies are not necessarily more powerful. But, it happens more often than we think and unfortunately, there are different types of bullying. These types involve negative comments or attitude towards someone’s appearance, opinions, ideas, likes and dislikes.
A person suffers from bullying because of his/her:
- weight
- physical features
- economic status
- abilities
- disabilities
- gender
- sexual preferences
- culture
- race
- religion
And the place a person is bullied could be everywhere: at work, school, on the street, in the public transport, or even online.
Think about it, it is not ok to criticize someone just because they are not like you.
People don’t like being insulted by:
- the color of their skin
- which sport they play well or which one they don’t
- who they love
- what clothes they wear or if they have new ones.
- the money they have
- the ideas they want to believe in.
Unfortunately, Bullying is a cultural problem because some people (bullies) behave rudely to others and intentionally create an uncomfortable space for them. So the first action we need to take as a society, is to have inclusive communities, in which every person is valued for who they are, so we respect and appreciate diversity, and everyone is an important element of the group. However, the problem starts when society doesn’t care about diversity and some people think that it is ok to criticize, minimize and attack a person who is or looks “different” to other people.
Then, let’s start by respecting other opinions, likes and ideas, because not everyone thinks the same. It is not cool to be a bully and it is not cool to be bullied. Try to walk in other people’s shoes, be emphatic. And...
Remember:
- Everyone’s contributions are important and diversity makes life richer.
- Who you are is more important than what you have.
- Be kind to other people and feel happy to receive kindness from others.
- Your words have a negative or positive effect on other people, choose positive.
- Do always what is right, treat everyone right...
“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all”
Watch the next two videos about two types of bullying behavior and pay attention to the comments adults give to these teens!
Don't put me down because my Opinion Matters!
Don't bully me because I didn't get new clothes for back to School!