I was home alone on a rainy day when I decided to sit on my couch with my cup of hot coffee and scan through the many movies available on Netflix. It didn’t feel like one of those days to watch an action or a laugh out loud comedy movie, but instead it felt like a day for a sappy RomCom or tear-jerker. I went to the Recently Added section. No. No. Seen it. No. Seen it. I came across a movie I had never seen or heard of before, and the picture and title caught my attention. A Girl Like Her was written and directed by Amy S. Weber, and this is the Netflix synopsis: A hidden camera and a documentary being filmed on a campus help a bullied, suicidal high-schooler turn the tables on her queen-bee tormentor.
Now, after watching this fictional documentary that is based on many true stories and wiping away tears from my eyes, I feel 2 things: thankful, yet entirely enraged.
Without giving away too much detail of this film, the sophomore in high school faced both verbal and physical abuse in person and over social media. I’m thankful because I myself never experienced the things the young girl in this movie endured. I have to wonder though, were there students in my elementary, middle or high school that were victims to actions like this? How often did I simply watch signs of bullying, whether they be large or small, and simply stand on the sidelines and watch it happen?
I’m thankful, but I am more angry than anything. That is because even though this is simply a fictional documentary, events similar to those portrayed in this movie are real and they happen every single day. Bullying is an act that people of all ages encounter, and with digital technology it could be said that it’s an act that is happening now more than ever.
Bullying affects each and every one of us, and no one should ever be pushed so far to feel as though their life is insignificant or that they are unloved. Though it's easier said than done, effort needs to be made on everyone’s part in order to diminish acts of bullying. Conversations need to be had with children and young adults about what is going on around them. Teachers and school officials should be more aware of their student’s behaviors, as should parents should be aware of their child’s actions. Friends should feel comfortable telling each other of their concerns and feelings. What I think could be the easiest thing of all to do though, is to realize the actions we are individually taking and to hold ourselves accountable.
The spotlight cannot only be put on the victims of bullying though. More times than not, those bullying are the ones hurting internally, therefore they take their pain out on someone else. These individuals may have a harder time realizing the pain they are in and the resources available to help them, but people need to be willing to stand up to them and help them. Something needs to be altered in order to help these individuals and to stop anything further from happening to them or those around them. Things can become out of control so quickly so it is important to be there for one another.
No family member or friend should endure the loss of a loved one because there were not more preventative actions taken in schools, or rules at home involving the internet, or because of the inability of someone to realize their actions were wrong and being taken too far. Never think that bullying couldn't happen to you or a loved one, and never assume that bullying acts won’t get out of hand. Instead, be mindful of how YOU are treating those around you and take action when it is needed in order to help those around you.
A Girl Like Her is moving and will always stick with me especially because I have nieces and nephews. I encourage you to watch it for yourself. Have conversations with your siblings, your kids, and your students about bullying and help them to understand how their actions affect others and what they can do to prevent bullying. The topic is incredibly important, and therefore each and every one of us needs to do our part in order to make a positive change.
