Do people really believe that their behavior is acceptable? Do they think they are being good role models for their children? There are so many things for kids to be distracted with in today’s media that they NEED the parents to be level-headed and provide a stable grounding for the children to see as an example. I hate to say “normal,” (because everyone’s normal is different) but kids need that sense of stability and comfort in a world that is constantly moving and chaotic. Social media has only heightened the continuous feed of information, the area for self-consciousness to expand, and for boundaries to be explored and pushed. The problem is…it isn’t going away anytime soon. I can only hope that common sense becomes more common and that people THINK before they ACT; but history has taught me that is not always the case.
For the example I used above about the kid who was billed by a parent of his friend for not showing up to his birthday party - in what world would that be okay? Why do we head right to the end-all for every obstacle that comes our way? Instead of billing the kid who did not attend the birthday party, why not contact the parents and find out why – or discuss with them what you would have liked them to do in that instance? Why go immediately to “I’m going to sue you!” instead of finding a common-ground and solution? (Am I really preaching on peace?)
The Osakis incident has really upset me - maybe because I am defensive of a place that I feel taught me, prepared me for the future, and set examples for what is acceptable.
The term “bullying” is being overused. That is 100% my opinion. Is there bullying in schools? Yes. Is that wrong? Yes. Are parents and students overusing the term bullying? Yes. Yes. Yes.
The complete outburst on facebook, twitter, and EVEN CRAIGSLIST (under political) is absolutely ridiculous. A cop was sent to the school and evaluated the problem – he noted it as kids being foolish and no criminal behavior. While that deserves its own punishment, the level to which the parents (and supporters of these parents) have taken it, is too far. Talking about suing, expelling these kids, firing staff, etc. are all so extreme. What about possibly having the parents, students, and staff sit down together and all admit their wrongdoings and find a solution going forward? Instead of ruining people’s lives, reputations, slandering their names/businesses, how about we come together to set an example and teach the kids something? – A LESSON! Heaven forbid there are lessons learned in school that are not on the lesson plan!
When I was in 7th grade, three girls that I went to school with created websites detailing how they would kill me. They had planned to tie bricks to my feet and throw me in the lake. They continued to make fun of my hair/figure/hobbies. They were even creating these websites during school hours. My parents found out about this, contacted the parents, and they handled it together. I received an apology and the incident was over. There was no talk of suing, of expelling anyone, or firing any staff. I feel that incident was more along the lines of “bullying” because it threatened my life and how safe I could feel around these people. But, as responsible parents, my mom and dad took care of it and taught me a lesson all while making sure I felt safe knowing they had my back.
From my understanding, the Osakis incident was stupid (as teen boys often are), but the kid tied up in the pictures knew what was happening and was a willing participant. He didn’t yell out or attempt to get the teacher’s attention. My guess is that ever since his parents (and their followers) have raised the concern, the kid is probably too scared to come forward and say that he was playing along. The parents went to the extreme… how could the kid come forward now? Maybe I know nothing, but I know at least as much as all of the people on facebook who are posting/sharing/liking this incident. Again people, THINK before you ACT; this affects someone’s livelihood, character and future.
Social media has given the idiots access to the population (and you may be thinking I am one of these idiots –touché ). Everyone is free to share their thoughts/comments/concerns to anyone in the world with a Wi-Fi connection. Well, here are mine:
- People need to start THINKING before ACTING!
- Common sense should be more common!
- Be an example for your kids and those around you- my parents did a great job in my opinion!
- The term “bullying” is being overused and it is not to anyone’s benefit!
- People should be able to sit down, have a civil conversation and come out of any problem with a solution!
- Osakis Public was a great school, with exceptional teachers who prepared me to go out in to the real world and make a positive impact on my community!
- And lastly, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I encourage you to put aside you prejudices and try to work with those around you for peace. Our children are watching us…
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The world now demands a maturity of America that we may not be able to achieve.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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