Bullying - Can the Gospel Be our BullyProof?
What do we as Catholics say about it?
I just happened to pick up this Martial Arts Magazine called “Inside Kung Fu”, and opened up to an article called “Bullyproof Bullying!” It was an article written about Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu system. I read it for the reason of this important topic of “Bullying” as it offers parents an alternative to combating this problem. My question for our readers “Do we as Catholic Youth Leaders have pastoral plan in combating bullying?”
The author, Dan Duarte, explains the concerns that parents fear their child may be a victim of “bullying”. children or teens who are bullied in school may not or will not tell parents, a family member, or even school staff that they are being picked on. It goes on to relate a story of a young girl who committed suicide from bullying, in person and on the internet.
Mr. Duarte mentions that bullies would pick on anything about a child or teen attack that one image or what the child or teen represents – it would continue on through name calling, threats or physical violence. Duarte quotes Dr. Sahgal by suggesting to our children and teens of “denying the bully satisfaction by simply ignoring the attacks.” Dr Sahgal also suggests that we call the bully’s bluff – but that would mean that a child or a teen have “self-confidence” or courage to stand up to the threat.
Now picking up a martial art to defend oneself may be a great idea, but in an age where violence seems to be the only means to deal with issues such as “bullying” or maybe other issues, shouldn’t we come up with a Catholic perspective using our beliefs and empowering our youth to stand up for themselves while being the Gospel? I believe it’s possible – but I can hear it now from parents, “you’re telling me to tell my child to turn the other cheek?” Nope, we’re just asking Him to be Jesus in the face of a bully.
So what is your thoughts on the subject – can a youth of our faith justify himself or herself in a martial art for protection or can he or she go beyond the call of “opening up a can of you know what” to stop the bullying?
Your thoughts – Let’s Debate It! Leave a comment below.
You’re welcome to give your own testimony or thoughts.
If you know of any scripture verses in reference to bullying, share it with us.
John of DHT.
I just happened to pick up this Martial Arts Magazine called “Inside Kung Fu”, and opened up to an article called “Bullyproof Bullying!” It was an article written about Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu system. I read it for the reason of this important topic of “Bullying” as it offers parents an alternative to combating this problem. My question for our readers “Do we as Catholic Youth Leaders have pastoral plan in combating bullying?”
The author, Dan Duarte, explains the concerns that parents fear their child may be a victim of “bullying”. children or teens who are bullied in school may not or will not tell parents, a family member, or even school staff that they are being picked on. It goes on to relate a story of a young girl who committed suicide from bullying, in person and on the internet.
Mr. Duarte mentions that bullies would pick on anything about a child or teen attack that one image or what the child or teen represents – it would continue on through name calling, threats or physical violence. Duarte quotes Dr. Sahgal by suggesting to our children and teens of “denying the bully satisfaction by simply ignoring the attacks.” Dr Sahgal also suggests that we call the bully’s bluff – but that would mean that a child or a teen have “self-confidence” or courage to stand up to the threat.
Now picking up a martial art to defend oneself may be a great idea, but in an age where violence seems to be the only means to deal with issues such as “bullying” or maybe other issues, shouldn’t we come up with a Catholic perspective using our beliefs and empowering our youth to stand up for themselves while being the Gospel? I believe it’s possible – but I can hear it now from parents, “you’re telling me to tell my child to turn the other cheek?” Nope, we’re just asking Him to be Jesus in the face of a bully.
So what is your thoughts on the subject – can a youth of our faith justify himself or herself in a martial art for protection or can he or she go beyond the call of “opening up a can of you know what” to stop the bullying?
Your thoughts – Let’s Debate It! Leave a comment below.
You’re welcome to give your own testimony or thoughts.
If you know of any scripture verses in reference to bullying, share it with us.
John of DHT.
posted by Arthanius | 11:16 PM
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