I know when bullies at school would bully kids, it was all negative and nasty unkind things, half of which were complete fabrication, intended to hurt and scar, in a vain attempt to feel better about themselves, right? Bullies put you down to make themselves feel better.
So then, gay community, STOP BEING BULLIES. Jesus. Enough already. I have some great friends, whom I adore - but I listen to their conversation and their comments - and holy crap they are all, simply put, mean. Unkind. Bitchy.
It's horrific to watch and witness. Why people feel the need to say and do things to deliberately get under one's skin is beyond me. Were these people not taught kindness? Were they not taught compassion?
Surely after high school is done we can move on and start adulting? But see - here is the problem - we witness "ADULTS" bullying too. Politicians use name calling, and shaming as campaign techniques. Bad managers use threats and put downs as 'motivation'. Friends use taunts and jibes and name-calling and nastiness for...what?
Say what you will, I am a Disney fan. Have been all my life. And I was truly excited to see the live action version of Cinderella. The animated version was beautifully artistic in many ways, and the story shows the bullied underdog who is good and pure and nice "winning" as it were. And when I finally got to see the live-action version, I was relieved that it was worth the wait.
I am not here to discuss the technical merits of the production, but one thing has truly stayed in my mind since seeing it about 2 years ago. And that is the very VERY simple message of the whole thing:
"Have Courage, and be Kind"
That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. One simple, two-part direction. So let's look at them.
Have Courage - stand up for what you believe in - stand up for those in need - stand up when things are tough and you feel overwhelmed, stand up for what is right. You don't get much simpler than that.
Be Kind. Does this really need explanation? Obviously it does. Be NICE. Be Kind. Don't be a dick. Don't be a bully. Don't make other people miserable. Be Kind. Say something nice. I remember my Mom drilling into me frequently "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all". Take note, you bullies. If you really feel that shitty about yourself, see a bloody therapist. They are trained to help you not be a dick.
Be kind to those around you. You have no idea what is going through their mind. You do not know what their own personal struggles may be. Adding to their burden by any form of bullying is dangerous and destructive. That single bit of kindness you show them could save them from the brink of disaster. You never know when you could find yourself wishing for that same kindness.
For the record, bitchiness, cruelty, unkindness and bullying are NOT funny. They are not attractive traits. They are not humorous. They are simply not. Belittling someone else in ANY way, shape or form is NOT FUNNY. Chewbacca mask lady - she is funny. John Oliver - he is funny. You and your nasty, bitchy hateful comments - you are NOT funny.
So go out there and have courage and be kind. Because the cool thing about doing nice things and having the courage to stand up for good - is that it comes back to you as the same thing. YOU can make a different to everyone you come into contact with and make their lives better - and they in turn will learn from that and make yours better too.
Let's change the world and start by being nice to one another. And while you're at it, be nice to yourself too.
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