Bully: Must See Movie

Jodie, Mom and I just got back from seeing this movie.  I had seen a bit about it recently--I think the kids featured in it had been invited to the White House to meet President Obama.  After seeing the movie, I hope EVERYONE I know and care about will go see this film.  And then open your pocket books to send a couple kids to see it too!  I am going to take my nieces to see it this week.  Then I hope they will be inspired to be kids who won't let this happen in their schools, something I hope they are doing already!  Movie ticket website Fandango felt so strongly they posted this op/ed:  Why Kids and Adults Should Champion Bully

So, what's it about?  The documentary film follows the day to day activities encountered by three kids and the parents of another two kids who committed suicide after being bullied.  Alex, an awkward kid who can't communicate nor make friends with other kids, rationalizes that his tormentors are just "messing with him".  The brutalization he endures on the bus will rip your heart out. 

The Bully Project

This link is to the director's production notes.  He talks about the filming and how they eventually had to step out from behind the camera to protect Alex from the bullies.  The scene in Kim Lockwood's office, the assistant principle, will make you gasp--we all did anyway. (And based on a short conversation with a couple other moviegoers in the restroom, I think you will too.)  In fairness to Ms. Lockwood, she apparently made a public apology in Sioux City at a community forum on bullying.  Unfortunately I think her response is probably what most school administrators and teachers would be.  Too few resources, too many students, and not enough parent involvement certainly aggravate the problem. 

The other two kids followed are Kelby, a strong 14 year old girl who came out as a lesbian in her community and was then ostracized by everyone in school and in town.  Her father's struggle with his neighbor's reactions is devastating but his need to protect his child remains true.  Another girl featured in the film is Je'meya--a 12 year old girl who finally took a loaded gun onto the school bus to confront her bullies and ends up facing dozens of felony charges.  Her mother's strength and love for her daughter is amazing.  When Je'meya is finally cleared of all charges, her joy is infectious.  But all I could think was that those bullies were still there...and would be waiting for her at the bus stop.

The two families dealing with the aftermath of suicide is particularly poignant.  Both families have stepped up to make sure their son's deaths were not in vain.  The Smalley's created  "Stand for the Silent" with students from Oklahoma State University in memory of their 11 year old son.  Ty took his own life after being suspended from school for retaliating against a bully that had been bullying him for over two years.  (I hope everyone has a best friend like little Ty had--I can imagine the two of them running off after the rabbit!)  The Long's have begun a conversation in Murray County, Georgia after their 17 year old son hanged himself.  They hope their demand for accountability from the school district will prevent more deaths from bullying. 

From the director regarding his hopes for the film:   Film has a unique power to highlight an issue, touch our hearts and motivate us to act. 

Sometimes it is the images that stir us; sometimes it’s the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes. We are hoping that the experience of watching BULLY will motivate audiences --whether they are kids, parents, educators or administrators – to come off the sidelines to join their community’s work to create positive school climate.

Hear, hear!!!  It certainly worked for me.  Now go out and buy a ticket.  Take your kids.  Go home and talk about it.  Share the info with your friends. Ask your school administrators what they are doing and how you can help.  Encourage your church family to get involved.  And for God's sake, if you witness bullying--get involved.  Don't let any child within your influence be victimized.   Just want to write a check?  Then consider Donors Choose, an online charity connecting you to classrooms in need.

Their goal is to send 100 million kids to see the movie.

NOTE:  Took my 12 year old niece and her best friend to see the movie this week.  They "get it" as the best friend is bullied because of her weight.  Her school administration is about like the one seen in the film.