By LIZ WORKMAN
Syracuse Arts Academy
The word “bully” in America had a whole different meaning about one hundred years ago. In fact, it denoted a positive feeling.
People such as Theodore Roosevelt used this word a lot as a triumphant gesture just like words such as “hooray” and “good job”, that we use today. If there were an accomplishment or exciting event, he would hold up his fist and shout “bully!”
Well, that word has changed quite a bit since then.
Bullying is when, for entertainment, a person or group of people make it their goal to hurt or harm another person or group of people.
This is common among kids and teens in school, especially against people who are considered “weird” or “different.”
Here are some different types of bullying that people use against others.
Verbal bullying is when a person attacks another with mean words and threats.
People who use this type of bullying might not want to physically fight their victims, but just do it to scare or threaten them.
Indirect bullying is when somebody spreads rumors about another person, excludes the person from groups or activities, or makes up lies about the person. This form of bullying is harsh because the victim may not know who is spreading the rumors and who has heard them.
Cyber bullying is when somebody attacks a person through any electronic device. Forms of cyber bullying include internet, social websites, text messaging or email, pictures, videos, and phone calls. Bullies might post something offensive or rude to their victims publicly on a social website where all of their friends can see it. This is most common amongst competitive teenage girls.
Physical bullying is when bullies will physically attack their victims with punching, kicking, shoving, and other forms of physical abuse. Sometimes a bully will gather a group of friends to harm a person. This could also include stealing or damaging their belongings.
Bullying has happened at all schools, including Syracuse Arts Academy. Someone might use any type of bullying for any reason, such as they had been bullied before, they’ve got problems with home or family, or they want to feel like they are above or better than a person. They might use homophobic or bigoted terms to describe their victims. They see a slight difference in their victim that isn’t “normal,” and think it gives them the right to treat them unfairly.
Although bullying is less common at Syracuse Arts Academy than other schools, it has been seen here before. It’s extremely rare that a person will physically attack another person, but there will occasionally be teasing and making fun of somebody else.
Our school has focused a lot on making a safe environment for students to learn and be respected by teaching us how to treat others with fairness. With the school uniforms, it is less likely that someone will be made fun of or envied for the way that they dress. If there is a problem with bullying, it is taken to the counselor to right away, and the problem will usually be sorted out just fine.
It is always a good idea to look out for bullying, and help anyone who needs it in any way that you can.