Emma Salino Period 2 May 22, 2013

Bully Socratic Seminar

I think bullying -if it should even be called that anymore- has a particular effect on individual people, especially young ones. It depends whether the person takes it in stride or takes it personally. Bullying could be the primary catalyst, but it is definitely not the first thing to commit suicide over. People commit suicide because they are truly unhappy. Or they cant take the suffering anymore. Its not because theyre weak, its not because theyre selfish, which are accusations a lot of people make. Its not selfish to give up a life full of possibilities and strength and beauty and love. Its not weak to embrace death with such open arms. Its not weak to leave behind the people you love so dearly. Its not weak to sacrifice yourself than to let anyone else share this pain. Suicide due to bullying is a little egregious. Im not in any way saying that bullying will never be a cause for a suicide; Im sure there are some instances. Hirsch overexaggerated the connection between suicide and bullying; he certainly misinformed Tyler Longs death. His suicide had nothing to do with bullying from school. But bullying from his family? Yes. But viewers dont know that unless they read the article by Emily Bazelon. But perhaps thats for the better. People only take action on things that are, in reality, overexaggerated. This initiative may be the contagion everyone needs to prevent bullying. But is that worth the influence on young people in terms of suicide? It depends on how they take it. I doubt it will influence kids like that, but who am I to predict. Plus theres no indication of depression, which is.... a godsend. People always think that people commit suicide because they are depressed. Depression is a mental illness. Its not a feeling that comes and goes.