Choosing Love Over Hate: Bullying and its Effects by Rachel Bair

What changes can we make to our lives through words, actions, and thoughts to combat bullying and hate in schools and the world?

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 17:52:15 UTC

For what reasons do people bully and get bullied and how might we use literature as a window and mirror to the root of these questions?

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 17:52:31 UTC

Mean - Taylor Swift

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 18:07:26 UTC

A song based on the personal experience of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift being bullied in high school. It discusses her struggles and coping mechanisms in relation to where she is now.

TED Talk: "How to Raise a Generation of Empathetic Kids" by Kiran Bir Sethi

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 18:12:18 UTC

This talk discusses the importance of teaching empathy in schools to combat bullying and create a more loving environment. It provides interesting perspective from a mature adult.

"What Would You Do? - Bullying"

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 18:21:45 UTC

The What Would You Do series tackles the age old problem of bullying and sees what people do when they observe bullying. This also invites conversations of being a bystander vs an upstander.

"El Deafo" by Cece Bell

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 18:29:31 UTC

A graphic novel about growing up with hearing loss and the challenges of fitting in, demonstrating resilience against bullying. Empowering take and promotes self acceptance.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens

bairra1 — 2024-09-24 18:31:54 UTC

This YA book tells the story of Kya who grows up on her own after being abandoned. The bullying she experiences from her peers for being different and living alone leads her to take extreme actions.

"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:05:55 UTC

Starr watches her best friend get shot by police and faces bullying as a result of this. While this hate is spurred a huge event, the injustices Starr faces can happen in any circumstance.

"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:14:44 UTC

While the bullying of this novel doesn't unfold during the present time of the plot, we see the effects of hate that ultimately lead up to the death of Hannah Baker. I personally haven't read this book, but generally (and according to Google) students who are driven to such extreme measures were not filled with love by others.

"It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:17:41 UTC

I watched the movie version of this book and it did a great job of addressing heavy situations in an easy to swallow way. Mental illness, peer pressure, bullying, and other common experiences lead Craig to check himself into a mental hospital which is a very positive experience for him.

"The Truth About Alice" by Jennifer Mathieu

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:37:56 UTC

A rumor about Alice's sex life circulates the school which quickly turns into bullying. This book is told from multiple POV which is interesting to examine and gain empathy from with a class.

Mean Girls (2004)

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:43:04 UTC

Mean girls is an iconic chick flick from the early 2000's that follows an all too common experience for girls. While it's meant to be lighthearted there are definitely more sinister themes that could be expanded upon and discussed.

"Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 01:46:24 UTC

This picture book is a timeless classic about a sweet mouse who is teased for her name: Chrysanthemum. Through the book she learns to love her name and herself which serves as a great introduction to kids about bullying.

What spheres of identity are subject to bullying more than others and what does this say about us as a society?

bairra1 — 2024-09-25 13:55:18 UTC