The Bullying Saga

The stories are popping up everywhere, it's becoming common place. Recently Rick Mercer ranted about bullying, Lady Gaga, Anderson Cooper, President Obama, and even Big Bird have taken up the fight, but is it enough? I remember bullying being a major problem when I was in school, the difference was not many kids were killing themselves over it for whatever reason. Today it's definitely changed, and the teen suicide rate is ridiculous. How can so many kids be falling though the cracks?

We must be missing something, do we not care enough, is that it? Why is it so difficult for us to hold these bullies accountable for their actions? Can we not have more teachers or school staff patrolling the school grounds? If we don't grab the bull by the horns how do we expect these issues to go away?

I suggest we create a campaign where nobody supports the bully, and there is no way that we accept this individual in society. So often it's the popular kids who do a lot of the bullying, why as adults can we not take that popularity away? If you are a bully, you don't get to participate in anything social at school, and the punishment should be humbling and embarrassing so that the individual can fully understand the impact of their actions. Regardless we need to stop talking about it and become more actively involved.

Hoops for Hopes

I wanted to take a moment to express how thankful and overwhelmed I am with the incredible turnout and support this event received. Michie Mee, Divine Brown, Mark Strong, and so many more made this an awesome event! Thanks to all the attendees, volunteers, participants and organizers! Special mention to Enza and Effie, Youth Assisting Youth, and Sparoways Community Group, you all did amazing. It's great to see what a little time and effort can accomplish! Next year should be even better! Way to go Red team, I knew we could do it! I could always use your continued support and assistance. Come visit me at www.joshuastern.ca and continue to lend a hand!

Quick thought

As I headed to my weekly therapy session with my father something dawned on me and I wanted your opinions. I started to analyze many of the relationships I have with family members and friends, and it became clear how often someone else's opinion of that person could ultimately lead to me judging them based on nothing but others words. The question I ask is simple, if you had someone that you were not particularly a fan of, would you tell someone else that didnt know that individual how you feel about them? Should you tell them that guy is an ass, or should you mention that the 2 of you have struggled to see eye to eye, or that you don't share many things in common? Which do you think would be more appropriate and hopefully lead to less judgement. The point I make is this, maybe if we all tried to not hold everyone so accountable for every action they make, we may just have a more understanding society. Imagine where that could lead!? Please share your thoughts or experiences in this matter.