Look at all the ways bullying is legitimized in society (letter)

London Community News

Dear editor, Everyone agrees that bullying is bad and seems to be increasing. Education is a must, and more attention needs to be paid in schools so bullying is spotted and dealt with quickly. But we also need to look at the ways we legitimize bullying. There are television talk shows and radio shows where bullying has been raised to a fine ratings winning art. There are also commercials that are borderline bullying. There are teachers and adults who bully when they see a student being something they don’t approve of — gays are bullied by more than other students, also girls wearing head covering and children with visible disabilities. Too often, when school authorities do react to an incident, the student being bullied is the one punished, especially if they attempt to fight back. Teaching them that trying to protect yourself is wrong, so they learn to be silent. If we really want to make a change, we need to go at it from every angle. Pat Brown London