Research log 4

MacDonald, Gregg. "Cyber-bullying Defies Traditional School Bully Stereotype." The Washington Post:

National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - The Washington Post. 02 Sept. 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2011. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090102648.html>.

In Gregg MacDonald’s article “Cyber-bullying Defies Traditional School Bully Stereotype”, he explains to us that bullying itself is a stereotype. In today’s world, we are very much consumed in the technology around us. Teens have always faced bullying and stereotypes in school, but with the technology surrounding us, it has become more vicious. Ilana Reyes, a high school counselor, says “It is so easy to say negative things through texting and online because you are not face-to-face with the person you're talking about.” Research shows that more girls have become cyber-bullies than boys, girls are more likely than boys to partake and experience cyber-bullying, and girls are more often than boys shown to report such bullying to a teacher or parent. Studies also show that “cyber-bullying victims were almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to youth who had experienced no cyber-bullying.” Some cases have been so bad that in Virginia, making a written threat, including text messaging, e-mails, instant messaging and internet, is a Class 6 felony. Linda Crabtree, a friend of a mother who lost her child to committing suicide due to cyber-bullying, has decided to step in and do what she can about the bullying. She wants to learn the online “teen lingo” in hopes of spreading the words to parents about what is going on online.

After reading this article, it made me realize that there are even stereotypes about bullying. Due to all the technology, it has led to cyber-bullying- using information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cellphones, text messaging, instant messaging and Web sites to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others. Now with this technology created it makes bullying as easy as pushing a button. It was also interesting to read that in Virginia it is a felony for harassment and bullying in texts, e-mails and instant messaging. I feel that more states should follow this law, too many kids are being harassed and taking their lives over something that could easily be prevented.

I chose this article because I didn’t realize that certain stereotypes were a stereotype itself. I have learned a lot about the role of stereotyping but would still like to know more ways people are trying to prevent it. Like Virginia, are there any other states that take cyber-bullying as serious as making it into a felony?  Or are there anymore groups and parents such as Linda that have created ways to help parents prevent the discrimination and harassment that go along with bullying and stereotyping.