It's been awhile. But let us jump ahead to what's going on now.
There has been a plague of bullying brought to light in the last few years - even more so in the last few months. Children - yes, children - are killing themselves for things that we look back on as adults and realize they are growing experiences. Given we did not have many of the technologies that kids do now that bullies use to harass beyond the schoolyard. We also did not have the technology to embarrass ourselves in the way that kids do now - namely, sexting. I know that personally while growing up I was entirely too modest to take a nude picture, much less send one to someone who might potentially forward it to thousands of people. But times have changed.
Now our children are bullied for the simplest mistakes that any of us could make - and some think that suicide is the only way. Other children are bullied for things that are not, in my opinion, within their realm of control. Honestly, what middle- or high-schooler would
choose the incredibly difficult path of coming out? How do you "choose" one's sexual orientation? Personally, I always knew I liked guys - they were cute (and later, sexy) to me, they gave me butterflies and made me pay attention to my appearance, hoping that one would like me. It wasn't a choice, it was just there. I didn't "choose" to be straight because it was easy - and trust me, no relationship is easy. This tangent is relevant, just keep up!
Children that realize that they are gay and have the confidence - nay, the
BALLS to come out while in such a hormone-fueled, turbulent, ever-changing environment such as school are being harassed. They should be applauded! This harassment is coming from intolerance, hate, and sometimes just plain ignorance. A lot of times it isn't the bully forming their own opinion, but just imitating the opinion of the parent(s). Therein, my readers, lies the problem.
Why do we hate based on ignorance? Why does the fear of the unknown or misunderstood lead to belittling another human being, another Child of God? Does God love "the gays" less than you or me? Excuse me for a minute here, but HELL NO. God loves everyone equally, without question, unconditionally, forever and ever no matter what you do.
The. End.
Since God loves them, why do you fear them? It just doesn't make sense to me!! If you are a Christian, you accept everyone as they are, and don't pick and choose random old laws from Leviticus to support your theory.
Christ came and changed those laws. This is why we are Christian, and not Jewish (not to mention the whole bloodline thing).
Now, for you non-Christians, the argument comes down humanity or morality. Why are you making fun of someone for something they can't control? Why not make fun of their hair color, or who they great-great-grandpappy is? Because it isn't as sensitive, and wouldn't hurt the target as much, you say? Well grow the hell up. I'm sure you aren't perfect, and have things of your own that you secretly loathe.
Something to make you smile!
Here's the deal. While you are in middle and high school, hormones are raging. People seem to change from day to day. Scandals come and go. But herein lies the secret: while you are concerned with what others think of you, they are concerned about what you think of them. Do you have acne? Try to look through the make-up, everyone else around you probably does too. Think your package is smaller while changing out in the locker room? Guess what, the guy next to you is worrying about the exact same thing. There's a psychological term for it, I remember reading it, but for the life of me I can't find it right now. Let me know in the comments if you know it!
So there is my position. Kids, talk to your parents. They remember high school better than you think they do. For my generation, my parents grew up in the 60s - there isn't much that would have surprised them. I know now that I should have went to my dad more about some of my concerns, but if someone had put that perspective on it, I might have.
This may be pretty disjointed, but I needed to get my thoughts out. Thanks all!
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