The critical issue of racist bullying in schools isn’t going away anytime soon, and is severely affecting the lives of many students. Shouldn’t teachers and parents educate their children the importance of including everyone? The obvious answer is yes, but this topic is much more complicated than telling them to include others.
Growing up was difficult when there weren’t many Asian students in my school. I had a hard time finding the right spot to feel comfortable in a school environment. I couldn’t find the right community of people, and felt different than everyone else.
Kids making racist comments towards me was always so hurtful. Seeing my classmates pull their eyelids back trying to “imitate” my appearance made me feel different. I would go home crying to my parents about the things kids say and do.
When COVID-19 hit, it felt like people were accusing me of starting it. Since this outbreak originated from China, the kids around me would ask, “Do you have Covid?” or, “Did you start Coronavirus?” I felt as if there was a spotlight, directly on me, showing everyone that I was different.
Being verbally bullied was such a struggle, and experiencing this was tough for me, and still is. As a current high school student I think back to how I felt, and what could be done to stop racist bullying.
Social media also allows kids and teens to find a way to target someone, and make them feel weaker. With a few taps, people can send hateful messages behind a screen.
On the flip side, students have easier access to leave small compliments on social media, and can make others feel great about themselves. By teaching others to include everyone and treat everyone how you’d want to be treated, we’d live peacefully.
Don’t let your student or child be the one in the spotlight feeling different. Let them find a community so they can feel accepted, and wanted. Showing others kindness doesn’t cost any money and is harmless, so why can’t we spread it?
Others may argue that small schools can’t build communities and groups of people based on population. A small school like Salisbury High School provides a Spanish Club, which anybody can join. Students being exposed to different cultures can make them more educated, open to learning about even more cultures and expanding their knowledge further.
Despite the longevity of this issue, it’s time we head the call and treat others how you want to be treated. By teaching others around you the importance of not judging others, we can become equal.
