Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 65 A lot of people have thought that bullying is just a part of life, that it’s something to endure and get through on your way to adulthood. And the sad reality is that many have experienced bullying, or they will be bullied at some point in their lives. This status quo has ruled for a long time, but things are finally beginning to change. Bullying can take many forms, and they’re all damaging. Confidence and self-esteem are always affected and if children, teenagers and young adults feel too lost or low, they often take their own lives. These bullying deaths can be the result of anything from cyber-bullying to being called bad names on the playground. Recently, more and more celebrities have started antibullying campaigns or are promoting media events meant to bring forward the causes and consequences of bullying, as well as to show that there is help out there for those who feel targeted. There’s universal recognition that bullying has to be stopped and that action must be taken around the world. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Bieber, Alesha Dixon, Pixie Lott and Twiggy have spoken out and are taking part in various anti-bullying activities, such as marches or media campaigns. For instance, Lady Gaga is using the lyrics of her song Born This Way to call for equal rights for the gay community and is donating the proceeds from the country version of the song to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN at www.glsen.org), an anti-bullying charity that helps young children deal with bullying at school. Ellen DeGeneres has also recently released a video where she addresses the recent rash of teen suicides that have been linked to bullying and homophobia. She told her viewers, “We can’t let intolerance and ignorance take another kid’s life,” and when speaking specifically to struggling teenagers, she said, “People’s minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.” Other stars like Jim Carrey have stated that “bullying is an old and antiquated way of thinking” with no place in a modern society. He’s also said that “anyone who bullies anybody for any reason is no friend of his.” Carrey, having recently filmed a movie in which he played a convict who finds his samesex soul mate in jail, is said to be appalled by the growing trend of bullying gay teenagers. According to Queen Latifah, parents are urged to be responsible and to look for “unhappy” signs in their child as well as address issues, such as bullying, with the other child’s parents in order to find a solution. Latifah has said that she experienced bullying at school – for being different – and that it took her years to learn that being different was not necessarily a bad thing. In Justin Bieber’s opinion, there’s “nothing cool about being a bully” and Daniel Radcliffe, who starred in all those Harry Potter movies, states, “we have a responsibility to be better to each other,” a sentiment echoed by many other celebrities around the world. And if you’re a YouTube regular, look up any number of celebrities who are working toward the common goal of addressing bullying. To name a few, Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud, Beth Ditto, Ronan Keating, Shayne Ward and Sean Kingston, got together to film a selection of special anti-bullying messages. Now, if everyone does their part …. Lady Gaga and Ellen DeGeneres Against Bullying © 2010 Fenety Marketing Services
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