Post: Gay Bullying
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09-21-2011, 01:58 AM
#1
AgentJon
Former Staff
.
Originally posted by another user
Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy from Williamsville, NY, took his life Sunday after what his parents claim was years of bullying because of struggles with his sexuality.
His parents, Tracy and Tim Rodemeyer, say that Jamey faced bullies for years, though things intensified in middle school, according to NBC 2. Jamey recently became a freshman at Williamsville North High School.
In the wake of their loss, the Rodemeyers hope to carry on a message of anti-bullying and acceptance. "To the kids who are bullying they have to realize that words are very powerful and what you think is just fun and games isn't to some people, and you are destroying a lot of lives," Jamey's father told WIVB.
Tracy Rodemeyer misses her son, but hopes the loss can still be used to teach a message of tolerance. "It took him away from our family way too early and we're just convinced that he had a purpose on this planet and it was to touch as many people as he could," she told NBC 2.
According to NBC, the Rodemeyers had gone to the school about the problem in the past. Jamey even sought counseling to learn to deal with the problem, but it seems it wasn't enough.
While they say their son seemed happy in the days leading up to the tragedy, his "It Gets Better" YouTube posting from May includes details about how intense the bullying was.
Through it all, Jayme remained outwardly optimistic. “That's all you have to do. Just love yourself and you're set. And I promise you, it'll get better,” he said in the video, which you can see in full below.
Gay bullying has been gaining increasing attention in the media, as a number of tragedies has brought the issue into the spotlight. Earlier this month the California State Senate passed "Seth's Law" a measure designed to curb anti-gay bullying in schools.
His parents, Tracy and Tim Rodemeyer, say that Jamey faced bullies for years, though things intensified in middle school, according to NBC 2. Jamey recently became a freshman at Williamsville North High School.
In the wake of their loss, the Rodemeyers hope to carry on a message of anti-bullying and acceptance. "To the kids who are bullying they have to realize that words are very powerful and what you think is just fun and games isn't to some people, and you are destroying a lot of lives," Jamey's father told WIVB.
Tracy Rodemeyer misses her son, but hopes the loss can still be used to teach a message of tolerance. "It took him away from our family way too early and we're just convinced that he had a purpose on this planet and it was to touch as many people as he could," she told NBC 2.
According to NBC, the Rodemeyers had gone to the school about the problem in the past. Jamey even sought counseling to learn to deal with the problem, but it seems it wasn't enough.
While they say their son seemed happy in the days leading up to the tragedy, his "It Gets Better" YouTube posting from May includes details about how intense the bullying was.
Through it all, Jayme remained outwardly optimistic. “That's all you have to do. Just love yourself and you're set. And I promise you, it'll get better,” he said in the video, which you can see in full below.
Gay bullying has been gaining increasing attention in the media, as a number of tragedies has brought the issue into the spotlight. Earlier this month the California State Senate passed "Seth's Law" a measure designed to curb anti-gay bullying in schools.
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10-02-2011, 03:17 AM
#191
TornadoCreator
A Storm Approaches.
Originally posted by Kaspa
Although I agree with the majority of your points you have made, we need to consider the fact that chronic depression is an illness, it effects the way one thinks and or values themselves and how people see them. I don't agree with suicide, I'm fully against it due to the same reasons you have stated.
When I went through chronic depression, suicide was always on my mind, it's only until after you surpass the depression you look back and think 'Shit, I almost killed myself'. During the depression you can't stop thinking about it, you think everyone hates you and you have no bright future, you're reminded every second to what happened, and suicide is always on your mind, trust me it's really hard.
It was only with the help of my family that I was able to move forward from the troublesome events that took place, but without my families support, I'm pretty sure there was a high possibility that I would have ended my life.
I think it's easier to understand if you put it this way, right now if I was to think of killing myself I would feel sick and frankly couldn't see it ever taking place, because I value life importantly. But during the period that I was depressed, it was almost as if I really wanted to do it, like it was the only way out, you know?
It's a hard thing to discuss and even try to explain, but I hope you get where I'm coming from.
When I went through chronic depression, suicide was always on my mind, it's only until after you surpass the depression you look back and think 'Shit, I almost killed myself'. During the depression you can't stop thinking about it, you think everyone hates you and you have no bright future, you're reminded every second to what happened, and suicide is always on your mind, trust me it's really hard.
It was only with the help of my family that I was able to move forward from the troublesome events that took place, but without my families support, I'm pretty sure there was a high possibility that I would have ended my life.
I think it's easier to understand if you put it this way, right now if I was to think of killing myself I would feel sick and frankly couldn't see it ever taking place, because I value life importantly. But during the period that I was depressed, it was almost as if I really wanted to do it, like it was the only way out, you know?
It's a hard thing to discuss and even try to explain, but I hope you get where I'm coming from.
Oh, I understand that. I have suffered bouts of depression at times myself where I can think of little else other that how I have nothing of value to look forward to and how everything is shit... but I've never really been suicidal. The only times I've had suicidal thoughts are during migraines, when I'm at the height of pain, in full seizure. At that point I distinctly remember multiple times where I've wished I could die just to make the pain go away, but at those times I'm delirious and overcome by pain.
I think it's just that I have trouble imagining the level of trauma someone would have to go though to push them that far. I have trouble relating. All in all I'm more trying to put a counter-point to an issue where most people focus on the bullying and not this trend in modern times of kids throwing themselves of bridges like f*cking lemmings. 30 years ago, child suicide rates where considerably lower, and honestly, while the bullying does need to be addressed, we're in a more liberal and compassionate society now more than ever so why are suicides increasing. The kids need to toughen up because as much as we may not like it, the world isn't fair. That's, I feel, the point I'm trying to make.
Perhaps I'm not the best person to consider psychological or mental pain. I have to deal with physical pain on a daily basis, my view is most certainly skewed.
---------- Post added at 04:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 AM ----------
Originally posted by sfx
You know there is a lot to read here and a lot of different opinions. This is the beauty of living in countries of freedom is that everyone can have their own opinion. I know of 2 people I went to school with that have taken their own lives. As a lot of people look at it an an "easy way out" you really have to stop and consider what people are feeling when they do this act.
I feel bad for everyone in this situation. I mean you have people that is morning the lose of a child, nephew, grandchild, friend, etc. As a society we are quick to look at the bully and put 100% blame on them. Not saying they didn't contribute a lot to the situation. It's the lack of resources set place by our ministries. If the child being bullied had someone more accessible to them then this could have been prevented. But the same goes for the bullies as well. We all need someone to talk to. Bottom line is that nobody knows what goes on in someone else's head or what kind of abusive life they live. Usually when people bully it's because they themselves get bullied and they look for someone "weaker" then they are to bully. Then that person in turn bullies someone else and so on. A lot of people here at NGU are lucky they have the family or friends to talk to if things are bothering them. Just imagine if you had nobody to turn to. I feel really bad for this young kid that took their own life but I also feel bad for the bully because they need help as well.
Just remember that when you hear about something like this you have to look at both sides. We need to help one another and intervene when necessary. Because if we in turn make comments at the bullies we become bullies ourselves. We can't wait until it's too late to help because if we do this happens.
I feel bad for everyone in this situation. I mean you have people that is morning the lose of a child, nephew, grandchild, friend, etc. As a society we are quick to look at the bully and put 100% blame on them. Not saying they didn't contribute a lot to the situation. It's the lack of resources set place by our ministries. If the child being bullied had someone more accessible to them then this could have been prevented. But the same goes for the bullies as well. We all need someone to talk to. Bottom line is that nobody knows what goes on in someone else's head or what kind of abusive life they live. Usually when people bully it's because they themselves get bullied and they look for someone "weaker" then they are to bully. Then that person in turn bullies someone else and so on. A lot of people here at NGU are lucky they have the family or friends to talk to if things are bothering them. Just imagine if you had nobody to turn to. I feel really bad for this young kid that took their own life but I also feel bad for the bully because they need help as well.
Just remember that when you hear about something like this you have to look at both sides. We need to help one another and intervene when necessary. Because if we in turn make comments at the bullies we become bullies ourselves. We can't wait until it's too late to help because if we do this happens.
Interesting position. I'm not sure I'm as sympathetic to the bully's need as you. While some do have emotional issues that lead them to bullying others are simply bad people who delight in hurting others. Some people are nice, and others are not, it's a sad realisation but not every person who acts with cruelty or malice do so because of trauma or issues, some are just horrible people.
All in all, I'm not sure the "someone to talk to" method is working. I feel we're softening our children too much in the most recent generations. People are so quick to say the kids need councilors and people to confide in that I feel it's making it more and more a reality that children cannot rely on themselves. People are losing the ability to be retrospective, to work thought their own emotional problems, because they're taught from a young age that they should "ask for help" and that they shouldn't be afraid to talk about their emotions and I wonder if, while good intentions are there, this method isn't removing all sense of willpower from these kids and effectively brainwashing them into feeling powerless without a psychiatrist at hand to explain which traumatic event made them feel angry today... but that's just my opinion, I have nothing to back it up with.
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10-02-2011, 03:28 AM
#192
+crazy
R.I.P +cK
Originally posted by TornadoCreator
Interesting position. I'm not sure I'm as sympathetic to the bully's need as you. While some do have emotional issues that lead them to bullying others are simply bad people who delight in hurting others. Some people are nice, and others are not, it's a sad realisation but not every person who acts with cruelty or malice do so because of trauma or issues, some are just horrible people.
All in all, I'm not sure the "someone to talk to" method is working. I feel we're softening our children too much in the most recent generations. People are so quick to say the kids need councilors and people to confide in that I feel it's making it more and more a reality that children cannot rely on themselves. People are losing the ability to be retrospective, to work thought their own emotional problems, because they're taught from a young age that they should "ask for help" and that they shouldn't be afraid to talk about their emotions and I wonder if, while good intentions are there, this method isn't removing all sense of willpower from these kids and effectively brainwashing them into feeling powerless without a psychiatrist at hand to explain which traumatic event made them feel angry today... but that's just my opinion, I have nothing to back it up with.
I agree that there are just "bad" people out there. And maybe we are softening our children. But what you have to remember is that 20-30 years ago kids didn't come out of the closet because it wasn't approved of. It was hard enough being a different colour let alone being attracted to the same sex and that's why it's more of a problem today. Our society is at a certain threshold. What I mean by that simply is that our parents grew up in a time where homosexuality was looked at differently. So even though media and our peers are more acceptable to this some of the older generation has a problem with it still. this is why we need people to talk to. Not to just get our problems out but to help understand. And this is the beauty about having someone to talk to like this thread. Some people come on here with a hate on for gay people but seeing the care and compassion of others may turn their own views. This is the kind of help I am talking about. But don't get me wrong I still agree with a lot you say. It's just nice to have a convo on here with someone with a head on their shoulders.
10-02-2011, 05:27 AM
#194
Xenoflare
Guitar is My Life
Originally posted by Just4Hax
Well **** you, because it has nothing to do with the people bullying and harassing them. Why do you think homosexuality is wrong?
1. yes, I don't support it, but I don't go around saying "go kill yourself" to homosexuals
2. if no one harassed them, then technically, it would be alright. If no one harassed this kid, he wouldn't have killed himself. I'm saying that it shouldn't be promoted in schools and in life. The way the world works, no one can stop them from being gay, so instead people support it. Its not natural yes, but I wouldn't go harassing people to death.
10-02-2011, 01:48 PM
#195
dcoidua
Pokemon Trainer
Took his life
Thats suicide, he killed himself. Its super ****ed up that they bullied him, but I thought this was known already? People can say whatever they want to say on an internet forum about how we should be tolerant and stuff, but this kid was in high school. High school kids don't give a ****....they just bully people for fun. The reason he got bullied was because he was different and in high school that makes him a target for the immature kids who will treat him like shit for the way he is.
Thats suicide, he killed himself. Its super ****ed up that they bullied him, but I thought this was known already? People can say whatever they want to say on an internet forum about how we should be tolerant and stuff, but this kid was in high school. High school kids don't give a ****....they just bully people for fun. The reason he got bullied was because he was different and in high school that makes him a target for the immature kids who will treat him like shit for the way he is.
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10-02-2011, 05:03 PM
#196
Phobick
Banned
Originally posted by Maguss
This is an incredibly well written post and I have to say I share your opinion 100%. Just a great piece of writing and intellectual work. I can tell you are of sound mind and analyze things from more than just one angle unlike many on this thread.
---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 AM ----------
I neg repped you for cursing me out and calling me names for no reason while I was trying to hold an intelligent conversation.
---------- Post added at 03:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:17 AM ----------
I am essentially done in this thread because what I was trying to point out has been said, over and over, and it is a fact not fiction, or opinion. I have 100 posts now and will be using this site for business instead of nitpicking with a bunch of juvenile homosexuals (no offense intended) and do not wish to have my rep brought down any further by people that simply disagree with me because of their sexuality even though I never once spoke negatively of such (sexuality). I wish the best to all of you and I hope you don't kill yourselves. That is all. If you want some trophies hit me up.
---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 AM ----------
I neg repped you for cursing me out and calling me names for no reason while I was trying to hold an intelligent conversation.
---------- Post added at 03:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:17 AM ----------
I am essentially done in this thread because what I was trying to point out has been said, over and over, and it is a fact not fiction, or opinion. I have 100 posts now and will be using this site for business instead of nitpicking with a bunch of juvenile homosexuals (no offense intended) and do not wish to have my rep brought down any further by people that simply disagree with me because of their sexuality even though I never once spoke negatively of such (sexuality). I wish the best to all of you and I hope you don't kill yourselves. That is all. If you want some trophies hit me up.
10-02-2011, 06:51 PM
#198
Just4Hax
"I will speak ill of
Originally posted by ItachiUchiha953
1. yes, I don't support it, but I don't go around saying "go kill yourself" to homosexuals
2. if no one harassed them, then technically, it would be alright. If no one harassed this kid, he wouldn't have killed himself. I'm saying that it shouldn't be promoted in schools and in life. The way the world works, no one can stop them from being gay, so instead people support it. Its not natural yes, but I wouldn't go harassing people to death.
2. if no one harassed them, then technically, it would be alright. If no one harassed this kid, he wouldn't have killed himself. I'm saying that it shouldn't be promoted in schools and in life. The way the world works, no one can stop them from being gay, so instead people support it. Its not natural yes, but I wouldn't go harassing people to death.
/facepalm Why is being gay wrong? It's natural, in fact there are species of animals that are bisexual, and some that have cases of homosexuality.
10-02-2011, 07:34 PM
#199
Maguss
Do a barrel roll!
Originally posted by Phobick
No one will do business with a no premium who has that low of rep and the few post count. Try and get it up and get more trustworthy. Also if you intend on doing business dont be making enemies, friends are always better i the business world :y:
Thanks alot for the advice. Actually I have already had successful transactions ^^
Also I have already made some valuable friends on this site and I never was trying to make enemies just point out a fact. I dont really want to do business with folks who don't accept fact because that is just a recipe for trouble, so I don't feel that I alienated myself from anyone of worth to myself
P.S. Im waiting to donate for premium until I see if this site is run by a bunch of kids or mature adults. I won't be paying my $ to high school kids for any reason, that is just silly.
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