Bullying

Bullying is a big issue in schools across the world, but does it have to be? Why do bullies feel the need to belittle those around them? The answer is because they are trying to prove something to themselves or a superior. Kids feel pressure from society to look and act a certain way based on their gender. Girls are supposed to be slender, pretty, and non-threatening. Boys are supposed to be strong, funny, and assertive. Not all children fit these requirements or feel the need to. A bully is the kid that is self critical and pressured by adults to be a certain way. When the bully sees someone that doesn’t fit in with the norms of their gender they target them. In degrading and hurting the non conforming classmate the bully is pushing them to fit into the rigid social order.

A way to alleviate bullying is to let children grow up in an environment where they can express themselves freely. I think that expression through art and storytelling can cultivate an individual identity for every child. When drawing or writing something you start with a blank page. Everyone can look at themselves as a blank canvas. You can choose what close to wear, what food to eat, and what activities to participate in. Individuals fill their canvases with hobbies, attitudes, and beliefs. When adults trust kids and give them the power to create something out of nothing the child sees nothing but potential. If schools had a bigger emphasis on creative arts I believe that bullying would not be such an issue like it is today.