Hi everyone,
Last month was dubbed the “anti-bullying” month, during which I have heard some terrible and some happier stories on the topic of bullying/cyber-bullying. I think it’s an important topic to discuss and also important for people to be aware of what is happening out there, so I want to share my thoughts on negativity and anti-bullying with you all.
A few weeks ago, I was browsing YouTube for Halloween makeup tutorials when I stumbled upon a video by Rachel Whitehurst (icallitambrosia) called FUCK NEGATIVITY: advice for life. In her video, Rachel talks about how saddened she is by the fact that one of her top rated videos was of her judging and hating on other girls for the things that they wear. The video itself was made a year ago and it is not one she is proud of, as she claims in her video. She talks about how this hate was fueled by her own insecurities and jealousy, and admits that it is not who she wants to be nor is it the type of negative attitude she wants to encourage. She has since removed the hateful video. I have a lot of respect for someone who, like Rachel, can admit that they aren’t perfect and that they’ve made a mistake.
On a more tragic note, I also recently heard about Amanda Todd’s suicide. Amanda was a 15 year-old girl who was bullied, cyber-bullied and blackmailed, and her story ended with suicide, which she committed on October 10th, 2012. There is a lot of negativity surrounding this story, some even saying that they are glad she is dead and that she “deserved it”.
I’m sorry – what???
I read her story and was moved to tears. I don’t care what someone does – NO ONE deserves to be bullied or harassed. I don’t care what they did in their past… it is absolutely disgusting how disrespectful some people treat others. It really upset me and got me thinking about how negative everyone is. Every day, I see people being nasty to each other, disrespectful or just plain ignorant.
(More on Amanda Todd’s story here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_of_Amanda_Todd)
It is very disconcerting to me that so many people are walking out there, just being rude and constantly judging others. Our society has come to the point where giving someone a compliment will merit you a weird look. People saying they are glad someone committed suicide. I can’t even process this. Nastiness and cattiness are just plain expected. A lot of this is linked back to technology. Through social media, some people have the effrontery to say things to their peers that I never imagined anyone saying. It sickens me even thinking about it. Cyber-bullying is a real thing and I think everyone out there should be aware of its dangers and educate themselves, their friends, their children and their families about the lasting consequences of posting things on the Internet as well as the bullies that are out there.
Bullies are pathetic people. They are weak, insecure and cruel. I know it is easier said than done, especially during teen years. Some people just don’t like who they are and take it out on others. It’s important to not let mean people get to you or affect your self-esteem. These people want to see you fail, or cry, or hurt. Don’t let them win. Put on your bravest face and let their insults fly. Don’t retaliate. Just don’t let someone like that get you down. High school ends and then most people realize how silly it was to let others affect them so much, and some even realize how mean they were to their peers. People grow up. Some don’t change. Don’t worry about everyone else. Just focus on being yourself, on being a good and happy person and on your future. That’s all that will matter in the end.
I know that many of us have long ago given up on living in a “perfect world”, but maybe that’s part of the problem. If you can’t beat them, join them, right? Well, not in this case. It’s essential for everyone to do their part. No, you’re probably not going to change the world, but you can certainly make a difference and you will feel better about yourself, too. I, for one, will be making an even greater effort from now on. I am challenging myself (and you too!) to do the following, every day:
1) Smile at a stranger;
2) Compliment 3 people;
3) Compliment yourself;
4) Do one good deed.
If you don’t do these things every day already, you will see that it will just start to come naturally. People will be grateful, will return the smile or the compliment, and you will feel much happier. Just… be kind.
I saw this quote on Pinterest a few days ago, and it really stuck with me. It goes something like:
“Live in such a way that if anyone should talk badly of you, no one would believe it”.
So inspirational! That is exactly how I want to live my life and if everyone were to act like this, I think the world would see a great improvement.
This post was inspired by this video: FUCK NEGATIVITY: advice for life and the suicide of Amanda Todd.
Candid Beauties 