We have all been bullied or seen people being bullied. Typically we might think bullying is just laughing at someone for no reason. But in this generation bullying has become extremely casual and widespread that it has surpassed the occasional giggle when someone walks by. Social networks can be mostly to blame for this. There are no longer groups of catty girls making up rumors only to be heard by the people in the immediate area. But now a simple tweet or video can go viral in minutes.
You see these days we have the audacity to set the standard for everyone else. We feel that because we are outspoken, popular, and covered in name brand items that others should be the same way. So when someone sees someone that doesn't quite reach their standards, they feel the need to call them out on it. Sending tweets such as "Oh, I know this girl is NOT wearing fake Uggs!" or "This weirdo in the back of my class is always reading some weird book. Dork!" and even posting pictures of people on Instagram with some rude caption. It is not up to us to tell other people how to act or look. So when you see someone different understand that everyone is different! Once we embrace change and that people come from different situations we might be able to stop saying hurtful words.
We need to be mindful of the consequences of our words. Words hurt. Badly. So next time you think about saying something mean. Reflect for a second. What if my words cause this person to go home and harm themselves? How would you feel if your words caused harm to one person, therefore causing grief to their entire family. Could you handle that??
So think about it. Have you tweeted something hurtful?? Ever giggled at someone as they walked by because they seem a bit socially awkward?? Or Instagrammed a picture of someone you thought wasn't dressed correctly. Then you might be a bully.....