Hey y’all – again, I must apologize for the inconsistent posting, but life has me a bit distracted at the moment. I promise to get back in the kitchen and regular scheduled programming soon! In the meantime, I’d like to briefly talk about a very important issue – bullying.
A while back, whilst comfortably seated in a nice artsy cinema waiting to see The Artist (phenomenal film by the way if you haven’t seen it yet), I watched the preview for Bully (trailer above) with quiet tears running down my face. A couple weeks ago we went to see the documentary, and again, cried through most of it. Yes, anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a bit of a softy (the words “Bridget cried, ’cause Bridget’s a crier” have been uttered by friends on more than one occasion), but I truly found this to be a powerful, heartbreaking film and one I would strongly urge everyone to see. I think it is as important for adults without kids to see it, as it is for those with, because basically it reminds us to be kind, treat others the way in which we ourselves would like to be treated, and by standing up for what is right and against indecent behavior, we hope to make the world a better, safer place.
Now, there’s been some controversy around the film and giving it a rating. You’ll notice it is “Not Rated.” My understanding is that because there is cursing, by kids, in the film, it was going to be rated “R.” But then, kids, pretty much the target audience, even with parental supervision, wouldn’t be able to see it. So it is up to the independent theater to decide whether to show the film. Hello, kids swear in the film because kids swear! It’s reality; a crass one, yes, but true.
We’ve all been witness to bullying in one form, and at one time, or another. I personally distinctly recall being bullied as a kid. It was scaring and hurtful. Thankfully I grew up to be a strong, independent person, and to see bullying for what it really is, and that is insecurities and lack of awareness of the bully, but that’s not the case for everyone. A dear friend, and amazing social worker, made the keen observation that there is a fundamental difference between when we were young, and the environment kids grow up in now. For us, bullying didn’t follow us home. We experienced it at school; we experienced it on the bus. If we were lucky, like I was, we had loving, supportive families we could talk to at home. Now, with the ever expanding world of social media, there is no escaping bullying – whether it be by phone, text, Facebook etc. – and the effects are devastating.
Please, set an example and treat others with kindness and an open mind. Teach your children to be kind, open minded, to stand up for themselves and for those who are being wronged. I think deep down we all want the same thing – a healthy, safe world for ourselves and future generations; so be kind, set an example and be the change you want to see in the world.
B. x
