I NEED a HERO: January 16, 2009

 

Just to give you all the heads up, my holidays are now over, I have technically been off for five weeks my goodness how time flies and yes “I am bringing sexy back”!

I have had a lot to think about on my downtime but unfortunately I have experienced a bit of racism while on my downtime. I guess unfortunately ignorance is still bliss it seems this will never change in our community. Also my nephew, young Tim, in late December was roughed up by three punks outside a coffee shop (with the same name as his). Sadly no one seemed to care enough to intervene but sat and watched, until one of the brothers got out of his car to help young Tim, who really wouldn’t hurt a fly. Thanks Chris. So it begins Prince Rupert, every time you think things change, it just stays the same. Dam you all and your apathy…So it begins and as I said to one disgruntled manager who disrespected me and my family; “Are you sure that this is the way you want to play this?”

So what do we do about this, well I guess for me it’s about education and awareness and there are a lot of good people out there doing this but just like any box of apples, there’s going to be a couple of rotten apples who  ruin it for everyone.  There are many websites out there that can help you, check out this website from the KIDSHEALTH for Kids http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/school_stuff/bullies.html here are some info from that site for your review.

Why Do Bullies Act That Way? When they pick on someone else, it can make them feel big and powerful. Some bullies come from families where everyone is angry and shouting all the time. They may think that being angry, calling names, and pushing people around is a normal way to act.  Bullies often pick on someone they think they can have power over. Getting a big reaction out of someone can make bullies feel like they have the power they want. Bullying: How to Handle It – Stand tall and be brave. When you’re scared of another person, you’re probably not feeling your bravest. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a bully. How does a brave person look and act? Stand tall and you’ll send the message: “Don’t mess with me.” It’s easier to feel brave when you feel good about yourself. If the bully says or does something to you ignore the bully. If you can, try your best to ignore the bully’s threats. Pretend you don’t hear them and walk away quickly to a place of safety. Bullies want a big reaction to their teasing and meanness. Acting as if you don’t notice and don’t care is like giving no reaction at all, and this just might stop a bully’s behaviour.

Stand up for yourself. Pretend to feel really brave and confident. Tell the bully “No! Stop it!” in a loud voice. Then walk away, or run if you have to. Kids also can stand up for each other by telling a bully to stop teasing or scaring someone else, and then walk away together. If a bully wants you to do something that you don’t want to do — say “no!” and walk away. If you do what a bully says to do, they will likely keep bullying you. Bullies tend to bully kids who don’t stick up for themselves. Don’t bully back. Don’t hit, kick, or push back to deal with someone bullying you or your friends. Fighting back just satisfies a bully and it’s dangerous, too, because someone could get hurt. You’re also likely to get in trouble. It’s best to stay with others, stay safe, and get help from an adult.

Don’t show your feelings. Plan ahead. How can you stop yourself from getting angry or showing that you’re upset? Try distracting yourself (counting backwards from 100, spelling the word ‘turtle’ backwards, etc.) to keep your mind occupied until you are out of the situation and somewhere safe where you can show your feelings. Bullying is wrong and it helps if everyone who gets bullied or sees someone being bullied speaks up. But no one needs to put up with a bully’s behaviour. If you or someone you know is bothered by a bully, talk to someone you trust. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and being bullied makes people feel unsafe. Tell someone about it and keep telling until something is done.

I wonder what the new City Council is doing about this.  What other programs are there out there for you to help you deal with this. Let me know what you think. I now have a weblog check it out it’s a place where I put some of these articles and other stuff I’m at farleystewart.wordpress.com or send me an email: ineedahero.pr@gmail.com

Peace and have an awesome week. I’ll see you when I see you.