Bullied Boy Receives Huge Support From Celebrities- But Are They Just Encouraging More Of The Same?

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pasted image 0 1 3By Luke Miller Truth Theory

An online video has just been released of a young boy who made an emotional video about the bullying he has been experiencing at school. The video has quickly gone viral and received support from millions of people across the globe. Some of the people who have reached out in support are well known to the public, but are some of the comments just perpetuating more division.

The young boy named Keaton Jones was filmed by his mother in a heart wrenching video in which he opens saying “Just out of curiosity, why do they bully me? What’s the point of it?” This is a great use of social media and people should reach out to try to help someone who is clearly in desperate need, however, sometimes it is easy to view the end result of a situation without first understanding the root cause of what makes a person act in the way they do.

When a child bullies another child they are likely doing so as a result of their own suffering. The circumstances which you are born into drastically affect the way you behave and those who are victimising others are also experiencing trauma, in which bullying is the way they lash out. Really a bully is someone who feels so bad about themselves that they inflict pain on others to escape. This is not an excuse or justification for their behaviour, but the only difference between those doing the bullying, those who are neutral and those who are victims, is the environment and circumstances they are born into.

Couple this with the reason the boy said he was being bullied it tells a very different story. There is a narrative, which is supported by many of the celebrities who reached out to help, that perpetuates a specific way that culturally we are supposed to be. Meaning if you don’t fit into a box that much of the media says you should fit into due to your looks and/or other factors, you become a target for victimisation.

It is a difficult situation to deal with, but its roots lay in trauma of the children who bully and what society says you should be. School for the most part puts us into boxes, categorises us based on intelligence and is often not an inclusive environment. Some of the best work and bonding is done through working in pairs and groups, yet school is an environment where you are encouraged to individually thrive.

I would just like to say that this is not an attack on anyone who commented, you can tell the intentions are coming from a good place, however, some of the comments create more of a divide than anything else.

Avengers star Chris Evans has said: “Stay strong, Keaton. Don’t let them make you turn cold. I promise it gets better. While those punks at your school are deciding what kind of people they want to be in this world, how would you and your mom like to come to the Avengers premiere in LA next year?”

Mark Ruffalo said “Keaton, will you be my guest at the Premiere of #InfinityWar too? I think you are about one of the coolest kids I have ever  seen! Can’t wait to meet you in person, pal. Forget those ignorant kids. One day, very soon, they are going to feel pretty stupid for this.”

With Dr Phil saying: “Hey Keaton, bullies are the ones with the problems NOT you. Many are bullied at home and pass it on. Cowards always need an audience. Be strong! I’ll come walk the hall and eat lunch with you anytime. #IstandwithKeaton #Keatonstrong #KeatonJones”

The problem with these comments is they promote division and while the children who are doing the bullying should not be excused for their actions publicly humiliating them is not the best course of action.

There were some more positive responses including Dana White’s at the top of this post. Others included Katy Perry who said: This broke my heart today. Please be kind to one another. #standwithkeaton

Snoop Dog said: “Say lil Man U gotta friend in me for life hit me on dm so we can chop it up love is the only way to beat hate”

And Demi Lovato saying: “I #StandwithKeaton. Keaton baby, just know you’re not alone. There are so many people who come out of bullying so much stronger and you will be one of them!! God bless you sweetheart.”

Bullying is a real issue that needs to be addressed and this is a real show of bravery from Keaton and his Mother that will help raise awareness on the situation. But the bigger point I am trying to make is that we are looking at the end result of a bigger issue. Would an inclusive environment that encourages bonding be a better way to proceed? All the comments appear to come from a place of love, but is publicly humiliating and shaming those who are also victims a good way to move forward?

I would like to add this article comes from someone who has both been a bully and been bullied. Neither felt good, and if it had not been for the compassion of others I may never of thought myself worthy to help others due to my past mistakes. I never publicly apologised to those I treated badly and I think now is as good a time as any. So firstly I would like to thank Kenan for being brave and raising this issue, and also say I am sorry to those whose lives I made more difficult than they needed to be. I hope you can forgive me! Please share this article and let me know what you think by emailing me at lukemiller@truththeory.com

I am Luke Miller the author of this article, and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here

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