Bullying

There has been a lot of press about kids being bullied and how it needs to stop! But are they targeting the wrong audience? They're trying to talk to kids about it, but I believe that children only mirror what goes on in their home.

My last post is a perfect example and it made me realize something. Organized religions foster bullying! When a family in their church hears that homosexuality is a sin and is wrong and that "God hates fags" that sends a clear message out to parents that they can have this same attitude in their homes. Children hear and act in school the attitudes they learn at home.

Also, organized religions are becoming more and more vocal in the media and in organizing against gay rights and gay marriages. This fosters the belief that we are inferior and are second class citizens. To a kid this could sound like it's OK to be a bully to someone who they think is gay or different, their parents and ministers do it, why can't they?

Even those like the closeted guy who emailed me foster this belief. If they sit there in their church services and remain silent they are contributing as well. Part of my reply to Christopher mentioned this; that I could not sit silently and take the belittlement, the condescension and the verbal bullying that goes on in churches.

I'm going to take a stand and tell my family that I resigned from the mormon church for this reason. I can't remain silent! Maybe my small effort will help someone to realize where bullying starts and maybe one less kid will feel threatened and bullied.