“Bullying as True Drama” by Diana Boyd and Alice Marwick
In an article by Diana Boyd and Alice Marwick titled “Bullying as True Drama,” the writers seek to address the challenge of bullying as it manifests in teenagers. I am moved most by their decision to use a real life example like that of Jamey Rodney, a 14-year-old boy who killed himself because classmates taunted him for being gay. Such cases spark nostalgic memories to times I have witnessed or experienced bullying and how adults responded to it. Danah& Boyd (2011) go to suggest that adults pay attention to youth language to help in bullying cases.
I am impressed by how Danah& Boyd (2011) follow the statement with the research they conducted on teenagers across the united states to look into bullying cases. This research provides full backing when the article states that the regular refrain that “there’s no bullying at this school,” is just a protective mechanism for the teenagers. I also resonate with the way the article concludes that the term “drama” to refer to bullying is an empowering mechanism since I have seen cases of bullies or victims who never recognized the hate around them for what it was.It makes it agreeable then when Danah& Boyd (2011)go ahead to state that the teenagers are hiding behind “drama” to “distance themselves from painful situations.”
I, therefore, feel it is brilliant how the article ties its research to how adults cannot intervene in bullying as they have no understanding of the dynamics involved in owning up. I agree when Danah& Boyd (2011) say that there is no “serious emotional, psychological, and social support” available for these teenagers. I am, however, left hanging and brain-wracking as the article does not provide suggestions on how to help teenagers recognize the hurt they are experiencing or inflicting hence eventually create support.