End to Bullying: You May Say I'm a Dreamer

Fat. Ugly. Poor. Freak. These are just a few words among the myriad used to torment, ridicule and shame children across the nation. And, guess what? It's happening right here in Abilene. This derision you will not often see in the news. No, it slithers through hallways and across cafeterias, leaving no trace of anguish, until, of course, it's too late.

When I first read the story KRBC's Jessica Reyes reported on the Abilene middle school student who says he was bullied to the point of suicidal thoughts, I was honestly brought to tears. Bullying should have no place in this city! There is no reason a boy should be taunted simply because of his weight. The girl in the back of Geometry class should not have to loathe what she sees in the mirror each night, because the popular girls snickered at her acne! And, the kid who doodles compulsively and acts out uncomposed symphonies isn't necessarily wierd or a freak; he may have an underlying mental illness or problems at home he's trying to escape!

The truth is this, teens, CHILDREN, are killing themselves over insults and hatred cast on them by their peers, who are probably more insecure than the victims were before onset contempt! Who knows what these lives might have achieved, what impact they might have had on the world? We may never know, but we can use their examples to fuel us to be better.

Lack of love, I believe, is the root of all wrongdoing. Love somebody in need of love today. Who knows? You may reach them just in time.