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After viewing the Matthew Sheppard story and the Laramie Project it hit me right where I lived. A close friend of mine who came out of the closet a few years ago was victimized because of his sexual orientation. I remember this friend coming to breakfast with the whole gang of us. When he walked into the restaurant it was obvious that he had been badly brutalized. I could see the emotional pain in his eyes. He never spoke of that experience to any of us. Very sad. Seeing that documentary really hit a nerve and reminded me of our friend.
I could not even conceptualize someone beating someone to death because they were different. This documentary was a real eye opener of how pervasive this problem really is in our society or the community that we live in. It is not just about someone with a different sexual orientation, different race, nationality or gender but people who do not fit into what others perceive they should be. In a school for instance, kids are forced to conform to their peers or be harassed, stalked, humliated,degraded or beaten and the list goes on and on. The schools have been unsuccessful in eradicating this disturbing behavior.
This well known fact was confirmed recently by Stu Auty, president of the Canadian Safe School Network on Tuesday April 16, 2002 and was quoted as saying "Schoolyard bullying is on the rise and it's becoming more violent." He was the keynote speaker for about 200 local police and educators. No more can schools turn a blind eye to this dangerous behavior. Parents need to do their part in the home. Raise your children to be more tolerant of people who are different. Know who your children hang around with. Keep the lines of communication open with your child should he or she become a victim of bullying so they can garner some level of support within the immediate family. If this is an issue that your child is dealing with contact the principals, School officials,the muncipal police in your area, the school board the Education Minister and make them accountable to ensure your child has a safe, non-threatening learning environment. Organize a preventative event within your child's school through the PTA.
authored by Stephanie Whitehead
When good people do nothing hate crimes escalate in our communities and schools. Take a stand in the city where you live. Refuse to condone bullying or violence.
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Last Revised: July 09, 2006