It Starts with One

Thursday, 07 June 2012 Deana

Bully DeanaBlog Deana, a university student going through life's ups and downs! She enjoys being active, and going shopping, and also loves volunteering with mindyourmind!

“Everything starts with one and builds up.” That’s one thing I took away from the Bully Movie. The Bully Movie is a peek inside the vast amount of bullying happening in America. However after viewing the film, I can say that similar circumstances and experiences are felt here in Canada. I have been bullied for as long as I can remember- I don’t know why. I’ve stood up for myself and my beliefs. I’ve learned it does get better, whether it’s finding the right friends or concentrating on what you’re good at (like gymnastics). Finding something in common with someone is so important, it’s something to start the conversation and maybe even a friendship.

Warning: This movie clip could be difficult to watch.

Watch the Bully Movie trailer here:

Each story in the movie, told from the viewpoint of both youth and adults, shares heartbreaking truths and the cold reality of the bullying happening in today’s society.

Youth who are bullied and families who were affected by the final action of suicide, when their son or daughter killed themselves after being bullied are featured in the film.

One of the themes that shines through the movie is how bullying affects EVERYONE. Bullying affects each and every one of us. Whether you have been bullied or not doesn’t matter. It’s likely that you know someone who has been bullied, is the bully themselves, or is a bystander watching the bullying happen. Please do not bully, or be a bystander. Tell an adult you trust, and ask for help!

One of the youth in the movie that I identified with the most was Kelby. She is a 16 year old teen girl living in Oklahoma. She identifies as gay. An all-star athlete she was pushed out of her sports by classmates, teammates and teachers. Despite this, Kelby kept going forward with the determination to change the mind of people living in the community, to be accepting and standing up for not only herself but others who feel they don’t have a voice. Kelby has the comparison that if it’s raining, the world is taking so much in- that it has to let it out, just like someone who is crying. I identify with Kelby in the movie because like I said I’ve been bullied before. I admire her courage to stand up and be who she really is. I see myself quite well in her story, bullied for different reasons, but we still have a lot in common. She wants to make change and make a difference!

Another important facet of bullying that is not often talked about is the result that youth feel the need to commit suicide because of being bullied. Please if you ever feel this way, not just because of bullying but anything at all, reach out for help. Talk to a friend, talk to a teacher- tell someone. Help is available.

At times the movie was difficult to watch. I felt as though I was on a roller coaster of emotion that was constantly changing. I feel empowered after watching the movie to make a difference, and stand up for what I believe in. Not just regarding with bullying, but life in general.

Be comfortable with who you are! Take time to try something new- don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t change yourself for anyone. Be you- no one else is exactly like you. Everyone is unique and has something to offer. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. BE YOU! Remember it starts with YOU- you can make a difference. One by one change happens. Believe in yourself.

- by Deana, age 20