October 21, 2010
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Letter from a Former 15-year-old Boy
I thought that instead of the theme of letters to a 15 year old boy, we'd have a letter from a 15 year old boy in the 90's who has time-traveled to the present. Turn the tables a little, you know? Also: TIMESTAMPED from Wednesday.
Hey everyone. Wow, I can't believe this Internet thing! It's like I can read any book I want all the time! Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for taking bullying seriously again. This is just like after Columbine. Once a few of us bullied people die or kill others, people start paying attention. It's great! All it takes a little death and BOOM we're in the news. I'm glad this is going to make a big difference. I'm wearing purple today too--but not my clothing. Wish that one kid hadn't punched me.
But anyway, yes, it's all going to be better now. I told the one teacher about the bullying, and he nodded his head and looked really serious. I think he felt sorry for me for a second! Maybe he'll actually step in and stop it next time. And I told my pastor, and he gave me this really important-sounding speech about how I should stop it myself. Of course, if I could have stopped it myself, I would have already, but he quoted a Founding Father, so that was kind of cool. And I understand that there are all these celebrity and regular people types saying it gets better later. I mean, what can be better than that? Life is going to get a lot better sometime! They promised! I wish they'd come to my school and tell that to my bullies, but I guess that's not going to happen for me. But I hope everyone remembers me for just this day, and maybe someone older will say something nice to me or cheer me up. At least they seem really happy that they're observing this day.
Of course, right now I'm counting down the 140 days I still have to go to school, so it really helps me that for one day, you'll think of me. Right now I don't really have any friends, and I'm ugly and awkward, so I'm sorry I'm probably not the poster boy you're looking for for being bullied. I can't even imagine a better future, because I have nothing to compare to. I don't look like those pretty boys who get advice on those after school specials from that cool older guy in the neighborhood.
If I had friends on my side, I wouldn't have problems with bullies. I could get a friend though. He's kind of cold, to be honest, and my parents wouldn't want him around. He wouldn't be allowed in the house. But if my parents let him come around, I'd like to take him to school with me. He's smaller than me, but he fits nicely into my hand, and he's metal to the core. He'd speak for me when I can't stand up for myself. Maybe he wouldn't have to talk at all--maybe just having him with me would make people be quiet. I try not to think about him. My parents raised me better. I raised me better. But I've seen him stand up for others before on TV, and he does a great job. He'd come to my school, because after today, you all will forget about me. He'd help me...
Comments (11)
It took me about eight sentences into the last paragraph to realize the friend was not a palm-sized snowman.
Some creative license with the details of the letter, naturally...sometimes one has to be a bit provocative to get a point across.
i like this, sir
Ok, this is sweet, BUT.
Your first three sentences. A 15 year old BOY is reading BOOKS on the internet? THAT'S what he's using it for?! Yeah RIGHT. You killed my suspension of disbelief RIGHT THERE. :P
This is so sad
I really like it, though.
Sad, but true. Well written. Although not all 15 year olds are ugly and awkward! That was a stereotype!
This is sad.
This entry should be included in the next Xanga book.
sad but true....bullying is too often thought after something horrible has happened.
Tragic! Kids like this are found in so many communities. Don't you think they need real friends, both their own age and older, who actually can sense just what they are going through and engage them in ongoing dialogue where'll they be listened to and their deep needs heeded? And their lives mended? Quite a bit more than attentive listening is required, of course, but at least that would be a constructive first step! And I think it really needs to begin at home. So parents need training as well.
I hate the teasing and the bullying that goes on in groups of children but I'm not sure there's ever a way to stop it entirely. That doesn't mean we can't make it better though. I don't think it's restricted to children and teens either; I see it in groups of adults as well. We tell the kids it will get better when they grow up but it really doesn't always happen that way. Even if they become rich and famous, if as adults they are "different" or "off a bit" in their social skills they will still be teased and bullied. I see it on the net, I see it at work, in social settings and even in church from time to time.
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