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| "Seth is doing what he always wanted to do — to promote love." – Judy Walsh |
On September 19th, 2010, Seth Walsh, a thirteen year old boy was unconsciously rushed to the hospital. His mother had found his body in their backyard, where Seth had tried to hang himself. He was on life support for nine days, before he died on the 27th. Relatives said Seth began being teased as early as fourth grade and as he got older, the bullying got worse. He was picked on for his mannerisms, the way he dressed, and his homosexuality.
Seth is not the only suicide that happened in September. Tyler Clementi, a freshman at a New York University, died September 22nd by jumping off a bridge. He ended his life, shortly, after his roommate posted a video of him and another guy being intimate, for all of YouTube to see. William Lucas and Asher Brown are also other boys that took their own lives due to the bullying they received. The question that the communities of these boys are asking themselves is what they could have done to stop this.
After reading a few articles on the suicides, different theories were suggested as to why all of this was happening. One article suggests that technology is to blame. Cloud writes, “At least bullies of previous decades had to hold you down before they could spit in your face.” But I agree with Jennings when he says, “the machines are not the issue. The behavior is the issue. Hateful behavior is never appropriate, no matter whether it happens online or in person.”
Seth is not the only suicide that happened in September. Tyler Clementi, a freshman at a New York University, died September 22nd by jumping off a bridge. He ended his life, shortly, after his roommate posted a video of him and another guy being intimate, for all of YouTube to see. William Lucas and Asher Brown are also other boys that took their own lives due to the bullying they received. The question that the communities of these boys are asking themselves is what they could have done to stop this.
After reading a few articles on the suicides, different theories were suggested as to why all of this was happening. One article suggests that technology is to blame. Cloud writes, “At least bullies of previous decades had to hold you down before they could spit in your face.” But I agree with Jennings when he says, “the machines are not the issue. The behavior is the issue. Hateful behavior is never appropriate, no matter whether it happens online or in person.”
A program that is using technology to make a difference is called, “It Gets Better.” The program is a YouTube channel that lets users upload videos describing how they endured bullying and went on to live happier. Thousands of ordinary people, celebrities, non-profit organizations and elected officials have created videos to tell youth, “it gets better.” Ellen DeGeneres recently said in an article, ''My heart is breaking for their families, for their friends, and for our society that continues to let this happen. These kids needed us.'' Now, the It Gets Better project is letting us be there before it’s too late.
WOW, I really like how you chose a very sensitive topic. I like the way you added other suicides into your reaction, because it shows that you had a lot of background info for writing your third blog. It would have been cool to see interviews from the families who lost their loved ones, to see how they are holding up. Anyway, you did an excellent job!
ReplyDeleteI have watched several 'It Get Better' videos and read one comic on the topic. They are very touching and I feel that the message they send is important for the times. Seth Walsh is making a differnce like to you said but I find it sad the he had to make it the manner that he did.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard about that It gets better videos. Maybe I need to read more recent news or even watch the news period. But anyway I think you did a good job on this blog. Especially because you informed us about other cases that has happened. Good job
ReplyDeleteMcGiggles- Thank you. I chose the topic, because suicide is something I have dealt with a lot in the past few years, with many close ones around me. It's something that matters a lot to me and I feel it doesn't get as much attention as it should.
ReplyDeleteAutomatic_Taglines- Exactly! It's terrible that Seth has made an impact, after he took his own life. Hopefully, with all the media attention, people will begin to feel that they aren't so alone.
jordanson2011- I hadn't heard of the It Gets Better videos, either. Mr. Primeau jotted a note about their YouTube channel on my seed idea worksheet. After watching a few videos, I was touched and felt that it should have a role in my blog, as well as Seth did.