Bullying and What We Should Really Call It

Last night, a friend of mine took her life.

Her name was Ilyssa and she was in 8th grade. She was beautiful. She was constantly smiling. She had a beautiful voice. She was one of the smartest girls in her grade.

I don't know who it was that bullied her or why, but her death was a waste of the amazing life that lay ahead of her.

I want to address bullying as well.

Bullying means silly verbal or physical abuse to most of us, but it is more serious than that.

I believe that we should call bullying what it really is. Racism. Classism. Sexism. Ableism. Homophobia.
Bigots are just bullies all grown up, and we should address this.

Maybe if we call it what it is, then people will take it more seriously. Adults will take it more seriously instead of just telling us to get over it.