To the editor
By:
At Hillsborough Middle School, a group called PRIDE is doing everything it can to stop the intense imbalance of power that is the stem of bullying.
PRIDE stands for Peers Respecting Individual Differences Everyday, meaning that all individuals must learn to respect everyone’s unique characteristics.
The week of Jan. 24-28 happens to be National No Name-Calling Week not just in the schools. PRIDE, who is sponsoring this event, wants to spread the message.
Here are the top 10 reasons why name-calling is not cool:
10. It’s lame – Don’t you have something better to do?
9. It’s boring – How many times can you repeat the same tired joke?
8. It’s pathetic – Are you that desperate for attention?
7. It’s embarrassing – It doesn’t make you big, only small.
6. It’s cruel – Seriously, those people laughing with you, they don’t really think you’re funny just mean.
5. It spreads – It’s like a virus. It creates a negative environment everywhere.
4. It hurts – Haven’t you been hurt by name-calling, especially when you begin to think its true?
3. It’s ignorant – It shows you’re full of fear and prejudice, is that how you want to be seen?
2. It’s immature – Isn’t it time to grow up already?
1. It’s dangerous – It can lead to more physical forms of bullying and violence. Isn’t there already enough hatred in the world?
Words are more powerful than people realize. They can either hurt or heal. What kind of person would want to hurt someone when they could choose to heal or help them? It can’t be too much to ask to concentrate more on the positive.
Can’t you think of anyone in your life that could use a little healing?
PRIDE member
Hillsborough Middle School

