A Word From Shadow Chord On Bullying & Being A Brony · 10:27am Feb 5th, 2014
Hey everypony, Shadow Chord of the Midnight Manes here. If you don't know who I am, you can find out about me by reading the story "More Than Just The Music" on this website.
I'm speaking as of now because of a horrendous incident that happened recently, and because I have been through similar circumstances. I feel I must say a few words.
Some of you may know this, some of you may not... a young boy by the name of Michael Morones is currently battling for his life. Why? He attempted to kill himself.
Why? Sources indicate that he has been constantly bullied for liking the show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.
As a victim of bullying, I know the feeling of being afraid to go to school, to be around those who will look for even the slightest reason to make fun of you. You wake up with dread very morning thinking, "What will happen to me today?"
And even though Bronies & Pegasisters being made fun of is quite common, that still does not make it okay to do. People may tell them things like "It's just a joke." or "Lighten up." In fact, it is the bullies who need to lighten up, not the victims.
Bullies often argue that they were ineed just joking, that they mean no harm. Listen, if you are truly, honestly just trying to joke, then make sure that the person is laughing along with you. If they're not laughing, and are clearly hurt by what you're doing, then you are most certainly causing harm.
And it sometimes makes me wonder if bullies like these are speaking the truth when they say that, or if they're trying to get out of a sticky situation. I mean, this young boy, only 11 years old, attempted suicide because of the harsh treatment he got. As I said, if they truly meant no harm, then the bullying should have stopped the moment they saw he was hurt by the treatment he got.
I often hear others say "Well, it's not that big of a deal." Maybe to them, because they're not the subject of ridicule here. And I have also noticed- many bullies out there who say that what they're doing is not a big deal... I've seen that many of them are much more easily offended than those they're making fun of. If someone cracks the slightest joke at something about them, or something they like, said bully will often blow their top, perhaps even challenging the other to a fight. And they fail to see that they're doing the exact same thing to their victim.
I understand completely that not everyone out there likes this show. And you don't have to like it. But it is wrong of you to try and force others away from something they enjoy, especially by ridiculing them for liking it, or in this instance, bullying them relentlessly to the point where they want to die. That is seriously messed up & absolutely despicable.
No matter how small or big the issue is, bullying is NEVER something that should be taken lightly. And this young man, battling to stay alive, is a shining example of what happens when bullying goes over the limit.
To all our Bronies & Pegasisters out there... remain proud of who you are, what you do, what you like. As I've stated before, nopony has any right to tell you what you can & can't like, nor do they have the right to ridicule you for it. They have no right to tell you that you're no good or that they're better than you. Many others out there are still afraid to admit they enjoy something as harmless as MLP. And sadly, bullying will continue in one way or another, but even in the face of harassing & ridicule, be proud! You Bronies & Pegasisters are brave and are a shining example of what this community is all about- friendship.
And, if you see another being bullied, PLEASE do something about it. Tell a teacher, or someone of higher authority. Even though nothing may be done at that instance, you can at least say you did your part. And to any teachers, supervisors, managers, faculty out there.... for the love of Celestia, please do not brush it off if someone tells you about a bullying situation. If you overlook it now, there's a good chance that you won't be able to look it over when the victim (or bully) does something drastic. If somene's feelings are intentionally hurt, already it's uncalled for. Bullying is always, and I mean ALWAYS a serious matter. Period.
Michael... me and the entire MLP Universe are keeping our hopes up for you. We sincerely hope you pull through this, and we are proud of you. Be proud of yourself. Don't change who you are, and always keep your head up high. And you'll be right where you belong. You're in our thoughts.
Thank you all for hearing me out on this. Best wishes to everypony.
Shadow Chord, signing out!
I remember... I wonder if it is on the news... I knew about this from a song.