We All Have a Story: MavLife Staffers Open Up About Bullying
Brenna Lyles, Editor In Chief;
Cameron Gurley, Entertainment Editor;
Will Jones, Design Editor
December 16, 2011
Filed under Opinion
Brenna Lyles
“Your face is so red right now.” Ever since the fifth grade, friends, classmates, and even teachers have been pointing out this humiliating fact. Whenever I’m under pressure, in front of a larger audience, or embarrassed, I blush a deep red. While I often brush off others’ comments with a smile, I fight the sting of memories from when the teasing wasn’t quite so friendly.
I specifically recall the day in 8th grade, as I stood before the science class, when one girl rallied the entire class to chant “tomato face” and “cherry cheeks.” I barely got through my presentation before finally erupting into tears and running back to my seat.
I have even experienced teachers who intentionally embarrassed me just to see me blush. My insecurity began to affect my education as I used to avoid raising my hand in class simply to avoid extra attention to my rosy face.
In retrospect, I recognize people naturally make fun of what is out of the ordinary– usually out of discomfort. I’ve learned to love my cute quirk, accepting it is a genetic and inherited trait I cannot change. In fact, it is one of the things that makes me who I am. While I strongly oppose any form of bullying and its potential to create lasting insecurities, I fully believe each individual holds the capacity to rise above the demeaning words and actions of others.
Cameron Gurley
Middle school was where it began. I went to middle school coming from a different district so I didn’t know anyone at first. I had braces, acne, messy hair, and big feet that didn’t quite fit me yet. Middle school, for me, was sink or swim– either make fun or be made fun of. It bugged me that I couldn’t fit in no matter what I tried to do.
My lunch was stolen from me almost every day at school by someone who brought their lunch but felt it would be funny to take mine. I was called “gay” or “faggot” on a regular basis. I’m more comfortable around girls than I am around guys, which would explain why people questioned my sexual orientation. I’m secure enough in my heterosexuality and looking back, I think I was called those names because I’m just an outgoing person. I support gay rights, but in high school, that makes me gay by default.
I admit it– I’m a dork, I’m outgoing, I openly make Star Wars references during class, and I’m a Boy Scout. Looking back on the teasing that I endured, I am proud that I have not allowed hurtful words be detrimental to my self-confidence.
Will Jones
As the new kid, my sixth grade self was a reserved child who spent recess sitting in solitude on a bench. My young mind was infused with a bitterness that would magnify the abuse I received. The burst of profanity sent in retaliation to my peers’ teasing merely made them laugh as I was sent to the Principal’s office. But this did not compare to the shame I felt when I saw the bruises upon my brother’s skull from when I beat him up for a mere rude remark.
Entering middle school, I undertook a non-violent approach. I focused on finding things that I could take pride in, soon discovering my aptitude for running and computers. I found that my new-found self respect was the greatest weapon of resistance. I kept silent during our physical fitness test as I heard the rude interjections between counts of push ups being served by the boy who dubbed me “tighty-whitey boy.” It was not easy, but I found that to be at peace with the world, I first needed to be at peace with myself.
You Are Not Alone
There are other people also struggling. You can get help.
USA National Suicide Hotline: Toll free, availible 24/7. Call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK
Teens Against Bullying: Visit www.teensagainstbullying.org for stories and advice.
Families for Depression Awareness: A national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides. Visit www.familiesaware.com or call 1-781-890-0220.
The Trevor Project: If you’re considering suicide, please call 866-4-U-TREVOR right now. There are pople standing by ready to talk to you. The Trevor Project’s website also has many great resources that allow students to learn from the experiences and connect with other LGBT teens.
If you have a story of your own, please feel free to tell us in a comment below. We would love to hear your stories.