Bullying Is Self-Policing, Grainy
And now for some uplifting news. Kids these days! If they're going to go out of their way to slug a kid for not liking ICP, CNN is reporting that the world's going to take care of itself. Phew. Less work for parents.
Such was the luck of the very emo Alexis Xanders, who was being regular-non-Facebook-bullied by a group of Insane Clown Posse's finest devotees. While walking back to school with her happy-go-lucky backpack, her azure-streaked hair, and her beau, these Future Scholars of America decided to give her a hard time, followed by giving her a punchy time. The case, however, did not die, because some good cinematographic Samaritans had the videotape and sent it to Xanders, who posted it online.
(Personally, I'm quite surprised that the girl landed the punch, based on the video, because of how foggy it was outside.)
And the CNN story goes on to say that there are several documented cases of middle school injustice being brought to light, even if that light comes from an eye-destroying diode. So here's a round of applause to the young Ms. Xanders for standing up for herself. But for the love of God, please stop listening to emo music.
I've said my piece about cyberbullying in the past, so there's no need to go down that road. (Going down that link, on the other hand? Totally acceptable.) But how far are people going to go to try to protect the little ones?
This far: a Massachusetts state congresswoman wants to pass anti-bullying legislation. Rep. Katherine Clark wants support on this bill that "would require schools to develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan in consultation with teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, administrators, students and parents." Also known as "funding the A/V Club, in which students learn to use cell phone cameras and YouTube."
Playful bullying picture, wherein we all learn that pulling girl's hair is not a wise strategy, via Getty Images
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