This is one of my favourite quotes because it inspires people to end the cycle of meanness and change the culture of bullying. It can also show you that when you live in a world where you have the right to be/feel anything, you should choose to be kind. What’s the point of being mean or being a bully or negative towards others when you have the option to be positive, caring and a nice person?
Personally, I’ve learned that some people became kinder, while some stay the same and some people somehow become more ruthless and critical as they grow. Luckily, I think the majority of people become more polite as they get older. Nowadays, people are more equal which might make a difference in how they treat others.
In the past, there were residential schools, there were wars, there were unequal racial rights and more children were abused in those days. In my mother’s point of view, she pointed out that, “Education conditions have improved and people have learned how to respect others, how to help each other, how to share the best resources, to cooperate and achieve ultimate goals together. Most people want to give their love, which brings lots of interaction and reflection among each other that eventually build up a very healthy ecosystem and harmonic world full of love and warmth.” I actually have the same feelings that my mom has!
All joking aside, there are actually A LOT of ways we can be respectful and kind to our peers today! Some of which I know of because I try to be kind by doing them:
1. Don’t exclude people, try to include everybody instead.
When you exclude them, they might feel extremely lonely and start thinking that you are NOT a very caring and nice friend.
2. Try to smile at people a little more to show them that you’re outgoing and that you are a kind person and easy to get along with. It really doesn’t only have to be your classmates/people you know. It can just be strangers, in fact, the chances are that if you do, it would might bring them happiness!
3. If you see somebody who needs a friend or it looks like they are all by themselves, ask them to hang out with you and your friends. Or if you don’t have any friends yet, just ask if you guys can be friends. Who doesn’t want a friend? 99.9% of the time, they want to begin a friendship with you.
4. Stand up for someone who you think is being bullied/mistreated. This may take some courage since most people would think that if you do so, they would turn you into the target. But don’t worry, bullies depend on kids to not tell about these unfortunate events. So, most bullies I’ve known have changed and actually became nice and completely different after I’ve told my parents and the school Principal about them! The victim(s) would deeply thank you for your courageous and kind actions.
5. Be careful of what you are doing or saying. Sometimes you may say/do something that deeply hurts someone’s heart without you realizing it. Try not to do something that you know might have a negative impact on somebody. Here is one of my mottos that serves me and many others well, “THINK before you SPEAK!”
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Barbie.
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