If there was anyone that can smell out something odd about you...it would be a bully. They all had this uncanny knack of being able to zero in on anyone that might be a little off from the rest of the pack. ThePostGame.com had this to say about bullies: "Experts say that more than 150,000 children miss school every day because they are afraid of being bullied. More than half of all schoolchildren have witnessed a bullying incident and three of every four students say bullying is a problem at their school." I'm a teacher and even that surprised me! I knew it has aways been an issue, but I think this is the first time experts have actually studied this problem. The report did go on to say:
"The bulk of bullying occurs from the fourth through the eighth grades, although it can continue through high school and even in the workplace. Bullying is intimidation or domination toward someone perceived as weaker, a way to establish superiority through coercion or force. The emotional scars are often worse than the physical beatings, and victims of bullying often become depressed and do poorly in school. Bullying can even lead to suicide."
I think the suicide is the saddest thing of all because I do remember hearing reports of kids taking their own life over bullies. (Even Cyber-Bullies!) I had my share of bullies from elementary school through middle school. It did tail off in high school (Thankfully.), but it was a very difficult time. I was even bullied in Boy Scouts! I'm sure your next thought is will I name names? No. There's no point because in reality, a bully has a lot of insecurities so to curb that, they try to pick on someone else to make them 'feel' better about themselves...even though, in reality, it's a false since of comfort and satisfaction. Now, as a teacher, I try my hardest to stop the bullying in school, but I can't be everywhere and it's not always easy to catch. Sometimes it's hard for me to tell when kids are just playing around or serious harm is being done. Even when I ask them if they are feeling harassed, many of them will lie to cover it up; mostly in fear because if they 'squeal' then the bullying could get worse. I remember doing that a few times just to cover it up.
As a teacher and a parent let me say this to you...with or without being autistic, you don't have to put up with it! Schools are getting tougher on bullies. Parents won't put up with it either. Fear is what drives a bully so they live off your terror. I'll never forget a time in middle school when a bully wanted to show how 'tough' he was so he tried to fight me in the boy's locker room. He hit several times in my sides and I kept my arms in to protect myself but, I never hit back. I was scared, however, I noticed that he never really hurt me. My younger brother did a better job of hurting me than he did! I think from there on, I was really never afraid of him again. Just remember you have to stand your ground and don't give up. One thing I always had comfort in was God. I knew He was always there for me, no matter what I was going through. In many ways, I believe He was proud of me on how I handled bullies. I can only pray that if you are going through this very thing, just remember it never lasts and there are people around you that can help...if you give them a chance. Try it.
Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:
Song: "Unbreakable"
Artist: Fireflight
Album: Unbreakable
To all the people that are bullied, here's the music video from Fireflight. I personally want to thank you, Fireflight, for such an inspiring song to help those who think there is no help for them. No copyright infringement indented.