This week’s Conley Commentaries are about back-to-school. If you know someone school age, please share these with them.
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Here is a depressing back-to-school statistic. Last year there were 159 school shooting incidents around the country.
Most of the incidents have something in common. The shooters were outcasts. Often friendless. Almost always the victims of cruel teasing or bullying. And remember, these outcasts have to attend school. It’s mandatory. And while I’m not making excuses for school gun violence, often it’s the manifestation of a bullying situation that the perpetrators can’t get out of.
So… just as I did last year, I’m issuing a call for kindness.
I ask every student to take a moment, today, and reflect on how you treat the other people you go to school with. If the answer is “I can do better” then do it. The kid you’re picking on might come to school with a gun someday. Do you want that on your conscience? ‘Everyone else bullied him too’ won’t calm your soul.
Remember, in every situation of cruelty there was always the possibility of walking away or doing nothing. If you can’t be nice to someone, not making the situation worse is fine.
But I would like to encourage the popular kids to do more. If you’re a high achiever, an athlete, a singer, dancer, or member of the cheer team, could you… just once… try to befriend someone outside your circle? Maybe sit with them at lunch, or, just ask them what’s going on in their life. Remember, people with friends have something to live for. People who feel poorly about themselves feel poorly about others.
My prayer for everyone is that you have a wonderful school year. And, that when you have a choice to make, choose kindness. It really does matter.
Chris Conley
Comments