>It’s up to all of us to educate everyone around us about the consequences of bullying
It’s up to all of us to educate everyone around us about the consequences of bullying, including using technology to taunt or to spy on others. I’m so fed up with this absurd “they couldn’t know” excuse. Violating another person’s privacy is never acceptable. No one can know another person’s state of mind; thus, taunting and other attacks can always endanger the target’s mental and physical health. Years ago, one of my high school classmates shot herself after years of being taunted by students and teachers about her appearance. It’s all too easy to push people over that psychological edge. Evidence has been mounting Ravi was already posting about Tyler’s sexual preference as early as Aug. 22. This young man knew exactly what he was doing, as did Molly Wei. I’ve taught people such as these two, and I have no patience with their cruel behavior. Posting footage of someone engaging in an intimate act goes far beyond a prank; once those images reside on the web, they’re essentially there forever. Other students asserted both spread gossip about Tyler around the dorm. For those who think such acts are simply jokes, would you want such intimate footage of your kisses broadcast on the internet? I rather doubt it.
This sort of behavior has been around since the dawn of time, but that does not make it acceptable. Every time we look the other way when someone commits a cruel act, we become part of the problem. We must all promote civil discourse and sensitivity when dealing with our fellow beings. We should not let Tyler’s tragic death be in vain.
