The Suds Report asked several soap stars to share their thoughts about bullying and teen suicide and I’m highlighting three of the responses I felt were very well thought out.
The tragedies of recent weeks has led to people opening up more than ever before.
Michael Muhney of The Young and the Restless: “I was severely bullied as a kid and it hurts my heart to know how cruel people can be to others, especially teens. These bullies usually hate one thing — themselves. I just wish these beautiful, unique, wonderful kids who are harassed and picked on knew how amazing they truly are. You have to remember, there will always be cruel, hateful bullies, but they are far outnumbered by those of us who realize that whether you are gay, black, straight, Asian, blind, Jewish, deaf, fat, skinny, etc., that WE all know how beautiful and amazing you are. And we don’t want you to hide who you are, we want you to celebrate it, and we’ll celebrate it with you.
“These recent suicides hit me with a heavy heart. I have had two family members commit suicide both when I was 13 and again five years ago. There is always another chance if you have tomorrow. Don’t take ‘tomorrow’ away from yourself.”
Nancy Lee Grahn of General Hospital: “How is it in 2010, people still don’t get it? So much has been said, the trouble is that the people that need to hear it simply won’t listen. Perhaps pointing and staring at them will help?
I think the biggest bullies are the religious leaders that preach intolerance because “God” told them to do it. Those little gems trickle down to those that believe Fred Flintstone really drove his car with his feet. [Unfortunately], those people breed and so on …
I could go on and on … all I know is I have a kid that I feel certain would never bully. I’m as sure of that as I am of anything. I’m sorry, but the parents in these cases have to be culpable. They had to have screwed up somewhere. Compassion is the easiest thing to teach to children. It is their nature.”
Greg Rikaart of The Young and the Restless: “I remember when I was 13, hearing about a teenager who committed suicide in my hometown. The speculation was that this kid may have been gay. I’ve read that upwards of 60 per cent of teen suicides are related to sexual identity issues. That is a staggering figure. These tragic suicides are nothing new, but I think the silver lining here is that the media is reporting on them in a way that has not been done in the past. Bringing increased attention and understanding to this epidemic is tantamount to solving this crisis and a step closer to reaching full equality for gays and lesbians. I am deeply saddened for the families of those left behind and for any teenager grappling with sexual identity issues who feels isolated and helpless. I am also honored to be a guest at GLSEN’s (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) Respect Awards here in Los Angeles this Friday. One of the goals of GLSEN is to teach/encourage kids to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Amen to that!”
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