From the Office of the CEO H. Alexander Robinson
An NBJC Commentary
We take a minute from our busy day today to stop and offer up our support for the National Day of Silence. Too many of our children are subjected to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.
At NBJC we recognize that bullying takes on many forms and is not limited to anti-LGBT taunts; more importantly, we know that our children are always the victims. We join NBJC scholar Vanessa Bowling, the President of Morgan State University’s Rainbow Soul as they call attention to the injustice of bullying.
Children and adolescents who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others and often do it to feel more important, popular, or in control. Bullying is aggressive, intentional, physical, verbal or psychological abuse of a chosen victim carried out through a pattern of behavior that is repeated over time. It can take the form of violence, threats, name-calling or cyber attacks. Research shows that male bullies are more likely to use physical intimidation or threats and might direct their behavior toward boys or girls. Girl bullying is usually verbal with another girl as the victim. Research also shows that bullies often target children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims are likely to be smaller or younger than their tormentors. We know that LGBT and questioning youth, especially those of color, feel isolation and differentness that sometimes reveals itself shyness or passivity and making them prime targets for the bullies.
Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund reminds us that, “Bullying is harmful and should not be brushed aside as "innocent teasing" or dismissed as "boys will be boys." Bullying can inhibit victim children's social and emotional development, causing them to be depressed and lonely, lowering their self-esteem and impairing their ability to build relationships with others. Physical symptoms include complaints of headaches and stomach aches. The grades of children who are picked on may suffer and they may begin to skip school. For some children, the scars of bullying can last a lifetime.”
“We must understand, however, that many bullies also are victims. Some children and teens that torment others are being mistreated themselves. Children who bully others are more likely than their peers to get into fights, drink alcohol, smoke and drop out of school.”
This is a place where we, the LGBTQ movement have common cause with many in our communities. We must call for an investment in our schools and those who teach our children so that schools are a safe place to learn. If our schools were an oasis of safety, hope and learning then our communities would have hope for the future.
Today our thoughts are prayers are with Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover's mom and the many others who loved him. We commit ourselves to do whatever is necessary to protect our children, each and every one of them regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. No child should feel less than this, as they are all a gift and worthy of our love.
Reach out. Love a child.
