Like the bully-bullying actions of Rosebud, the Cat, bullying has become an insidious thorn leading to harmful and violent behavior in the public arena. Learning why a bully bullies. Learning why a victim becomes a victim is crucial. Learning books telling stories about bullies and victims and how they made a positive change, gaining compassion for others, is important in a society that is daily grappling with these issues. The workplace, school, and our government is an excellent place to start.   

How many of us have been bullied as a kid or an adult? I was seven years old and in the second grade. I was given a pass by my teacher to get a drink of water. Outside of the room I turned the water fountain handle. The water rushed by me and into the face of a man teacher walking by. I'd turned the handle too hard. It scared me too death.The man grabbed my arm and dragged me into the classroom in front of my teacher and a bunch of kids. My mother was called. Together, the two teachers and my mother stood over me. "Apologize!" I was told. The teachers glared at me. My mother said nothing. I shook my head. I was really afraid. It was an accident. I couldn't talk. I couldn't say anything. For a long while I became more shy of kids and adults after that awful day. It's surprising how what appears as a small bullying incident can affect your life.