Alma Beatrice T.

Paredes

Sir Robby Angeles

BSRT 1-3

August 5, 2015

Ones dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless
it is surrendered. This is a famous quote of Michael J. Fox that spread throughout the internet ever since the
bullying issues resurfaced.
Bullying as how Facts about Bullying define is a repeated abuse by a person or a group through
aggressive behavior physically, verbally, socially and intentionally hurting, harming and causing fear in a
weaker person or a group through such behavior. It is true that bullying now is like an infectious disease and
that could literally kill someone if not stopped and that anyone is vulnerable to it. Bullying would not only give
someone physical harm, but also psychological harm.
The bullies, the bullied and the bystanders are three characters that participate in the aforementioned
topic. The bullies find pleasure to the misfortunate ones and make them feel more of the latter. Bullies today are
more equipped than they are before especially with the advancement of technology. Communicating is just a
minute away. A nasty comment can instantly reach hundreds of facebook friends or followers. On the other side,
the bullied is the weak side that could not even raise a finger and let out a voice to put stop to the bullies. They
are frail and feeble enough to handle intense emotional or physical pain, some resulting to suicide. The
bystanders are the eye of bullying. They are the witnesses who do not stretch their bones and take part on the
situation.
According to studies, bullying has been increasing every year among the students and has gotten more
serious. There is a story I know from the town of Silang, Cavite. There is this girl, a happy bubbly, energetic and
like us, who have a big dream in life. I do not know her personally and she does not know me either but we do
have common friends. She was a victim of bullying in her school by her classmates. They say awful and nasty
comments in her future specifically her modeling career as she used to be a print ad model and had a shoot stint
in a movie. She is a no Julia Roberts but with her height and morena complexion, she stands out.
One day after hearing sarcastic comments from her classmates, she came home crying. She heard words
she could not bear. Those words made her feel alone and helpless. Not knowing how to deal with it, she
decided to end her life by hanging herself using her ID lace. Her mother came just in time to save her but was

late for she suffered serious injuries, particularly in the brain lacking oxygen known as Asphyxia that made her
live her entire life laying, being incapable of doing anything. The bullies were not even contented and posted on
her facebook account saying she should have made use of rope instead of a lace.
Gone is the girl my friends knew. It is such a waste life, if only she has the courage to fight back and
defend herself. If only now I remember what Donna Schoenrock said,Some people would not be happy until
they have pushed you to the ground. What you have to do is have the courage to stand your ground and not give
them the time of day. Hold on to your power and never give it away.

The bullies are like the lion preying upon a mouse in the famous fable story. In the end, the mouse was
the one who was able to free the lion from its hunter by gnawing away the rope. Nowadays, if the bullying
should be stopped, the action must take place on the three characters. The bullied would not get bullied if there
isnt an opportunity for the bully to do so. The bystanders have the ability to stop something from happening if
they will have the courage to or if afraid to be the next target, at least have the liberty to report to someone with
authority. An individual has the key to his or her own strength and weakness. Never surrender it. Never let
anyones palm touch it. A life must continue even with scratched skin, fractured bones, cut lips and broken
heart. Those who hurt others are hurting inside themselves as well. They may be lacking appreciation and
attention, therefore showing strength to others. Who knows, maybe the bullied is present to remind a bully the
right to live happily and a bully is there for the development of strength and courage of the bullied. Do not let
the emotions control you, let yourself control your emotions. With this, those who take their lives will decrease.

References:
Lemus, P. (2015) Facts about Bullying
Coloroso, B. (May 12, 2009) The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander: From Preschool to Highschool
How Parents and Teachers Can Help to Break the Cycle. William Mirrow Paperbacks
Garbarino, J. (2002) How To Protect Adolescents from Bullying, Harrasment, and Emotional Violence
and Words Can Hurt Forever. Free Press
http://www.kidsworldfun.com/shortstories_lionandmouse.php