School's 'It Gets Better' Video Goes Viral After Gaga Gives Thumbs Up
By now you've likely watched some of the thousands of videos created and shared as part of the 'It Gets Better' campaign, in response to the ongoing tragedy of teen suicides related to senseless homophobic bullying. A vast majority of the videos are quiet, heartfelt talks by those who've suffered from bullying, have grown up, and now love their lives. In effect, things have gotten better.
Other offerings, getting far wider sharing, have been filmed by major celebrities, exhorting fans to exhibit tolerance and even acceptance of each others' differences (and similarities).
Student Colton James Boettcher of Bonduel High School, in Madison, Wisconsin, wanted to get his fellow students to come together and share their own 'It Gets Better' message. The students wrote a script in October, filmed in mid-November, then editing for two long months, releasing a message in the most heart-felt way they could.
Through music and dance.
Filmed to Lady Gaga's song Hair, dozens of Bonduel students evoke a rousing, carefully choreographed Glee-like dance performance that reminds gay and straight students (and the rest of us) to stand up to bullying.
Their video, released on YouTube just two short days ago, has gone viral, after The Monster Mom, Lady Gaga herself, shared it on her Facebook wall. As of this writing, her post alone has received 32,000 "Likes" and over 4,100 shares.
I think Boettcher and his talented group of fellow students have certainly raised the bar for future 'It Gets Better' videos. Of course, the most powerful production remains to be the body of thousands of simple, non-choreographed homemade videos, each and every one coming from the heart.
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