Rosie O’Donnell, American Idol & Bullying in America
Family Pride on Jan 25th 2007
My four year old son, Tommy, was thrilled when he received a green corduroy blazer for Christmas. He couldn’t wait to wear it to school, because he said he would look just like his teacher, who also wears a corduroy blazer. A few weeks ago, he proudly put together an outfit and wore his blazer to school.
When my wife, Cheryl, picked Tommy up after school, he was visibly upset. Tommy said, “Mom, I got shy about wearing my blazer.” Apparently, another classmate made fun of Tommy for wearing his blazer. It absolutely broke my heart.
A few nights later, I was watching American Idol. Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were judging various singers - and then Kenneth Briggs took center stage. Because of societal standards, it is likely that this young man had been ridiculed most of his life. After an otherwise average performance, Simon commented that Kenneth looked “a little odd… like one of those creatures that live in the jungle with massive eyes… a bush baby.”
Jonathan Jayne was next. He too, has probably been the butt of many a joke. Jonathan is a special Olympic athlete - his parents have stated that he has mild autism. Before Jonathan even started singing, Simon joked about Jonathan’s weight. Jonathan sang God Bless America. After he left, Paula, Simon and Randy laughed hysterically. Take a look for yourself. Watch this clip from the Today Show’s coverage:
Rosie O’Donnell, on “The View“, drew the connection. “Isn’t that what America thinks is entertainment? To make fun of someone’s physical appearance. And then when they leave the room, to laugh hysterically at them.”
We applaud Rosie for being outspoken and for making the connection that when a show as wildly popular as American Idol regularly ridicules people, not for their bad singing or dancing, but for looking different, it shouldn’t be any wonder that we have problems with kids teasing kids in school. Studies show that between 15-25% of US students are frequently bullied while 15-20% report that they bully others frequently (Nansel, Overpeck, et al, 2001; Melton , Limber et al, 1998; Geffner, et al, 2001). An estimated 160,000 US students miss school each day due to fear of attack or intimidation from peers (NEA, 1995). Victims of bullying may fear going to school, using the bathroom and riding on the school bus (NEA1, 2003). And most shockingly, 25% of teachers see nothing wrong with bullying or putdowns (Cohn & Canter, 2002).
No one deserves to be ridiculed for being different. Family Pride makes schools safe and inclusive for all children by educating parents, teachers and administrators about working together to create diversity programming and to ensure that bullying is not tolerated. The society in which we live can either lift up that mission or drag it down. Stand firm with Family Pride - join our eNews to find out how you can help.
Filed in general |
Please, PLEASE check out this book: http://www.myspace.com/peerabuseknowmore as it gives great information on this serious problem in society today. Thanks Rosie for speaking up. Glad someone FINALLY did.
Parents need to step up and stop blaming the media. Are there harmful things out there? YES! Sadly, at every turn.
Personally, I think that American Idol has little to do with teasing and bullying. Both have been common experiences for many, many children long before Idol appeared on television.
I blame parents who lack the ability to instill morality, compassion, and and empathy into their children. These can be taught! Not all kids are cruel. I have witnessed parents laughing right along with their kids at other people’s misfortune.
I’m not big on blaming parents for everything- but this one is clear. You want nice, tolerant kids? Lead by example, folks. For all our sakes.