Dear Kid,
I’m tired of bullies.
I’m not talking about the steal your lunch and push you in a locker bullies.
I’m not talking about people who yell at an individual for whatever ridiculous reason.
I’m not talking about cyberbullies who go after one person directly.
I’m talking about a new form of cyberbullying that I don’t think people even recognize. The reason I don’t think people recognize it is because so many of the people I see doing the bullying are the last people I would ever have expected would do something if they thought it would cause hurtful feelings.
In fact, I think these people would be horrified to be classified as bullies.
The definition of bully: superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.
Here’s what I’m talking about. Facebook posts that sound something like this:
This is a little test, just to see who reads and who shares without reading! If you have read everything, select “like” so I can put a thank u on ur profile! I know that 97% of you won’t broadcast this, but my friends will be the 3% that do.
Please, in honor of someone who died, or is fighting cancer, or even had cancer, copy and paste
Everyone says: ” If you need anything, don’t hesitate, I’ll be there for you “… so I’m going to make a bet, without being pessimistic, I wish ” my 200 plus friends ” put this on your wall. You just have to copy (not share)!!! I want to know who I can count on… and I’m sure it will be less than 25. Write “done” in comments when you do!
It’s mental illness awareness month.
Let’s review.
“I’ll unfriend you if you don’t do what I tell you.” That’s bullying, plain and simple.
So Facebook people: knock it off. Whether your message is something I support or not, whether your grammar is accurate or not, whether I even see your dang post or not, do not (repeat DO NOT) threaten me. Yes, “I’ll unfriend you if you don’t do what I tell you” is a threat.
If you have a real message that you believe needs to be shared widely, say “please,” say “thank you,” and say you’ll understand if people choose not to share the message.
Leaving aside the message in question, if you want to stay connected, I’m delighted. If you feel the need to unfriend me, I’ll (probably) understand. If I notice.
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