Monday, December 5, 2011
PERIOD 1 - BYSTANDERS
It is often said that many students are witnesses to bullying, but they remain bystanders to the event and do nothing to help the victim. First, do you agree with that statement? Second, do you think that students who have taken Facing History and Ourselves, would be more likely or less likely to intervene on behalf of a student being bullied? Finally, what do you think should be done to stop bullying at Westborough High School?
26 comments:
I agree that many students remain bystanders because they are afraid to become victims. Having said that, I believe that students from this class would intervene because we have seen things that disgusted us and we have gained a sort of "awareness" that helps us sympathize with others. As ti the last question, I may be pessimistic but I do not believe it to be possible to stop bullying. There will always be those kids who do it. We need more people ti put them in their place.
I agree. I think that many students and people in general are bystanders. They are cowards. They think of what might happen to them if they stick up for someone. They are worried about themselves. I think that Facing History students have gained more confidence in terms of sticking up for themselves and others. We have learned about many different moments in history where a form of bullying has occurred, but nothing was done. I know that I am aware and I stick up for those who are being bullied. One of my friends who happens to be a sophomore was bullied, and I asked her for the name, and I went to talk to the bully. I think that it is not possible to stop bullying, just because it is so much a part of our society. Some forms of bullying seem so minor, yet it still really affects the victim. However, there are some ways to make people aware of bullying, like I did to the kid that was bullying my friend. And I know that she will not be bothered again. I think that bullying is unacceptable and that we can really make a difference. It is up to us to advocate and prevent bullying in WHS, even outside of school.
I do believe that many people witness bullying and remain bystanders during the event. The majority of the time you can see it without even having to look. If someone in your class is “weird” or people don’t like that person you will often times see that person being called names or being patronized by other people. I believe we have all heard a comment before that we know is mean or hurtful and could be classified as bullying but the majority of the time many people do not say anything, because they fear what others might think of them if they do defend the person. I do believe that after our very intense discussion on bullying as well as the whole class of facing history helps all of us to see the importance of not being a bystander. We see how standing up for someone no matter what others may think or how other may react can make a huge difference in society. I think that because we have seen all of the harmful effects that come from being a bystander in Nazi Germany that we can clearly see how using your voice and standing up for something can help to save a life or as they said in Uprising at least let you keep your dignity and honor. I feel as though if you do take facing history you will be more likely to defend people and try to stop bullying because if you stand there and just let it happen then you are just as bad as the person who is bullying. I believe that in order to try and stop bullying at WHS everyclass should have conversations like the one we had, we need to address the cruelness and horrible effects of bullying straight in the face rather than just sugar coat things. I like how everything in the conversation we had in class was very candid and I think that every person in WHS should have a conversation like that, because it truly was an eye-opening experience.
I agree with the statement that most people remain bystanders. I think people are fearful of becoming the victim after standing up to bullying. Also most people think that if I say something it won't make a difference but whether it stops the bullying it may make the world of difference to the victim. I think people who are taking history and ourselves are more apt to step in the way of bullying because we now know the outcome of being a bystander. At least in my opinion bystanders are nothing more than another cowardly bully. This class has changed me into not being afraid to stand up and stop the bullying because one voice can make the difference. Westborough High School just needs to become aware and most people think that they are "too cool" and don't want to be associated with the victim. WHS needs to be informed of the dangers of bystanders because it truly can destroy people.
I agree with Mara that bystanders are cowards. Also, I just want to say thank you and good for you for applying what we learned in class. I'm sure you made a huge difference to that sophomore, who ever it was, I greatly admire the fact that you did that.
I do agree that many students are witnesses to bullying and they do nothing about it. I have seen occasions where students have either heard of someone being bullied and have responded with "Nice" or "sweet", and its disgusting to hear that. However, I beleive that students who have taken this course would most definetly be more likely to intervene on behalf of a student who is being bullied. After seeing the films that we have, having discussed the topics we've discussed, and having experienced the class, I dont think any one of us would walk away from a situation like that without saying anything. Finally, in order to stop bullying at Westborough High, one would have to make those who participate in bullying feel the way their victims do. Many people bully in order to feel better about themselves, because they feel they need to put others down in order to lift themselves up. Others do it because they feel pressured by their peers, while others still do it just because they can. Although I do not think it is entirely possible to stop bullying, spreading awareness of what it does to people and how it can hurt them would be a key place to start.
First of all yes i agree with this statement. In westboro high school there is not much "face to face" or "physical" bullying that goes on much of it is done online or over a technological device such as a cellphone. I feel that there are so many bystanders because we see it so often and it appears to be just words on a screen we dont really find an emotional connection to the situation when we are simply reading and argument.
I think that after a student has completly gone through the course of Facing History that they will be more likely to intervene in situations that come up because of the information that is discussed within the classroom.
I dont think there is much that can be done at WHS in order for cyber bullying to stop all sources of technology would have to be taken away from homes and the school which is not realistic, students are aware of what is going on and sadly many participate in it however they know what they are doing wrong yet they still do it.
I agree that many people will be bystanders because they do not want to be victims of bullying. It is wrong to just do nothing and walk away. Many people think that they are just one person and it wont change anything, if they do anything, to stop the bullying. They are wrong because every little bit helps and people can make a difference. I believe that the students who have taken this course are more aware of bullying and how it can effect someone. I also feel that by taking this class, people will know what to do when they encounter bullying.
I agree with Yak that by taking this class, we are more aware of bullying. Bullying is something that will happen and people can make a difference as long as they are not a bystander. Their will be many people who do bully others, and it is other people's job to stick up for others.
I agree with the first statement that many students are bystanders. This is because they don't want to get involved with someone that is being bullied, in fear that they will be made fun off, or they themselves will get bullied. I think students who took facing history would be more likely to help a victim, but that will not stop the bullying. One can only do so much until they stop helping the victim. Finally, I dont think that the school can do much to stop bullying. Cyber bullying constantly takes place and the school cannot monitor what is said over the internet.
Bullies are bullies simply because they can be. Nobody is stopping them. They continuously hurt people and have their "backup" to support them. Bystanders are a huge contribution to bullying. By being a bystander you are also being a bully. Everyone loves a great, juicy facebook fight. Everyone LOVES the idea of a physical fight between two students. Why do these people find pleasure from the pain of the victims? Simply because it's FUNNY WHEN IT IS NOT THEM. How is it funny to see someone hurt someone else? Why is it hilarious to see someone being completely bashed over the internet? To comment on hurtful posts about other people on facebook and say " Haha this is hilarious you guys are too funny!" or to press the "like" button. Why is it hilarious to see someone punch someone else in the face? This is a sick way of pleasure, unfortunately, most people think that way. In Facing History, we learn not to be a victim, perpetrator or a bystander. I believe there will be many people who leave this course and chose not to be silent. However, I believe that there will be many people who will leave this course and will continue to participate in bullying simply because it's an enormous challenge to stand up for the victim. It is hard to change a bully. It's also the group mentality that's a huge problem. The common enemy brings people together and that can be pretty scary for the victim. Now that we have facebook (more like wont-say-it-to-your-facebook) people can gang up so easily. People spend their time reading through "facebook fights" and think it's the funniest thing in the world. The freshmen girls battling each other over who's more of a "slut." I mean it's just absolutely ridiculous. There's a difference though: a facebook fight is two people bashing each other and battling it out, kind of like a cat-fight or whatever. On the other hand, there's BULLYING, which is: a group of people completely bashing a victim and the victim remains silent. It is SO IMPORTANT not to be silent! Telling someone is not "snitching." Victims are scared to speak up for themselves because they are afraid of being accused of being a snitch. It's not snitching, it's doing what's right. Westborough High School needs to come up with better punishment for bullying. Peer mediation and some sort of warning won't cut it. People hear the word "bullying" and nowadays "cyberbullying" and don't really think much of it. When your the victim, it's a whole different story. And I can say that in confidence.
People are bystanders for two reasons really. One is so they don't have to interfere with the incident at hand and possibly get beat up for it. Secondly it's because of the awkwardness of standing up for that person. However those who have taken this class I think have benefitted because they know what is morally right and wrong. Not neccesarily because we haven't been taught this before, but for the fact that we have learned much more than the average person has at how people have been discriminated or tortured because of it. It's up to us to decrease this, both in the real world and virtually over the internet.
I agree that there are several kids who do remain bystanders when things are posted online bullying others. This may be because they are timid to get involved or are just to lazy to do anything. I believe that students in facing history are more likely to defend the victim because throughout this course we have learned that being the bystander is allowing for the wrong doing to continue. This is because in learning from the past such as with the Jews, inactivity on the part of the German people led to the continued murders of the Jews. I believe that in order to stop bullying, everyone needs to band together and confront the perpetrators of bullying. I also think that for bullying to be completely eliminated, human nature needs to change and that everyone needs to treat one another with courtesy and respect. This i believe could and should happen,but unfortunately i do not believe people will make it happen. I sadly do not see humans changing after a million years of their existence.
I think the main thing to think about in this situation is- what if it were you? If you were publicly being bullied in school or over the internet , should "awkwardness" or "laziness" give your friends or peers the excuse not to stand up for you. It takes a true friend to build up the courage to stand up for you, and I think this course will give people the courage they need, either as the victim or the witness. You just cant be silent.
I definitely agree with the first statement. I think we live in a time where people say "oh not my problem" and turn the other way instead of lending a helping hand. It's sad, but true. I definitely think, having said that, people who take Facing History are more likely to intervene and be someone who is a rescuer. I just think your tolerance level changes for that type of behavior because of what you see. As far as changing bullying at WHS, I really think this class should be mandatory. I know i'm learning a lot about myself and spending an hour in this class is more beneficial to me than spending an hour in some electives we take senior year to fill our schedules. Also, I think the dynamic at the high school would be different if we talked in depth about these subjects freshman year. I think it prevents a tough first year for a lot of kids and hopefully would set a tone for every class's high school career.
I agree that many students are bystanders because they are afraid that if they say something then they will get made fun of. After being apart of this class, I do think that students who took the course would not be the bystander and would stick up for the kid being bullied. The class has taught us so many things that has made all of us more aware of life and I think that the students in teh class would intervene. In order to stop bullying at Westborough I think that people have to stop being afraid and just do what they think is right. Bullying has become such a big thing throught the country that there are now actually laws against bullying. The law says that after the 3rd offense of bullying then the school has to report it to the police. The law just shows how bullying is everywhere and that it has become so bad that laws are made now. Westborough students shouldn't be afraid and they should do whats right, which is not being the bystander.
I agree with Jess that everyone should take this class. I also agree that it would help if we still had talks and presentations about bullying. I think that taking this class is definitely the best way to change people who are bystanders.
I agree that often students witness bullying and do nothing about it out of fear that they might be bullied themselves or because they do not understand the impact the bullying actually has on that person. I feel like students who have taken facing history would be more likely to intervene because of all of the videos that we have seen of what happens when whole countries stay silent and do nothing about the victimization of a whole group of people. I think it is really up to the students and what they let be accepted. If someone bullies someone and every time they do it someone says that’s not cool don’t to that then they will stop because it won’t be “cool” to do.
I think that some students would intervene about cyber bullying because they may think it's fun or just wants to watch someone put another down and be happy about. I don't understand why do others want to do this online and not come up in front of the persons face.
Unfortunately I agree with this statement for the most part. In most cases, when people witness bullying, they remain bystanders. Either people are worried that they may end up getting in trouble, or they don’t want to choose sides because they are just afraid of conflict. Yet, in some cases they aren’t always bystanders. Just because it is who I am, I wouldn’t remain a bystander. I can’t sit by and watch people be offended and hurt. Just last night I saw a segment on the news about kids and how some commit suicide due to bullying. Yet I’m also not perfect. I have done my share of bullying just as everyone else has and I have even been a victim. But as I learned and grew, I determined I wouldn’t allow myself to be a victim, bystander or perpetrator. After taking this course I’m sure that my Morales will only increase, just as other students who have taken the course. My sister is a perfect example of one who would intervene at the first sight of bullying. Unfortunately there is no true way to stop bullying. All people are different and all people have different views. Although they may not be good, they are still views, and no one can help that. We can only rely on each other and others to hope that people will be the bigger man and not be a bully.
i agree with what Yak says. bullying can't truly be stopped because there are flaws in people. we just have to hope that people will not be a bully and be a bigger person. thats just reality, but at the sight of bullying, we can also hope to have people prevent it from going on.
PS I published comments in period three again....
I agree with the first statement that people are more likely to be a bystander. I think this is because they don't want people to not like them, and often standing up to a bully will make them bash you also, and to a lot of people it isnt worth it. I think it is sick that standing up to someone, and doing what is right will make you a victim also. I believe that there is no way to end bullying. Everywhere you go, you see people who constantly are making fun of someone because of their flaws. Everyone has done it at some point in their life, it's human nature. I think that we can minimize the amount of bullying that goes on in this school by doing two things. One is if everyone in westborough high school took this course, if it was a requirement to graduate from westboro high school, then there would be a lot less bullying going on in this school. Another thing is making the punishment for bullying a lot more severe. There was recently a situation where someone got bullied, and the bully got just a slap on the wrist and a "dont do it again". if that changes, and people are aware that bullying is a serious issue with serious concequinces, then there will be less of it going on in this school.
I agree with renata that even if bullies take this course, they may not change at all. It is very hard to turn a bully into a rescuer. i also agree with the "Group mentality". People are so afraid to stand up for someone, because a group of people won't like what they have to say, even if they believe what the group is doing is wrong.
I agree that many students remain bystanders when they see other students bullied. There are many reasons for why some stay bystanders; they may be afraid that if they say anything they will become the victims, or they may think they shouldn't get involved with other people's business. I think students who have taken facing history are more likely to be a "hero" and stand up for the person being bullied. Through watching all of the movies about the Holocaust, we have been able to see how standing by and doing nothing can turn into something devastating. I do not think that it is possible to stop all bullying at WHS; however, I think there are ways to decrease the amount of bullying there is. I think students at the high school need to become aware of the dangers of bullying as well as being a bystander. In my opinion many bystanders are just as bad as the bully, and people need to learn that. I think Facing History should be a mandatory class for students in the high school. It has really opened my eyes to how being a bystander is not acceptable, and I think other students should learn this message as well.
I agree that most students are bystanders. It is hard to admit it, but it is an awful truth. Most are either too afraid, or are part of the problem and they wont do anything. Students from this class would definitely intervene. Having seen some movies in class and after having multiple class discussions, I can say we are all more aware and will always do the right thing and stand up for someone. Like Yak, I think its impossible to stop bullying as well, but we can cut down on it. The best way is to always be a rescuer instead of a bystander.
I agree that FAR too many students remain bystanders whether it be because they don't want to draw attention to themselves, they want to fit in, or do not want to become the victim themselves. I believe that after taking facing history, students are far more likely to intervene; I myself chose to stand up for a friend who was being mercilessly bullied. As for the last question, i would have to say that there is really nothing that can be done to stop bullying. Administration tends to make things worse most of the time, so i think there needs to be more KIDS who beat the crap out of the bullies.
Post a Comment