In light of several recent bullying-related deaths in the local area, the college community has sought to hold events that would foster dialogue on the important issue. Documentary filmmaker Debra Chasnoff came to speak before a group of students, educators, and local community members on Tuesday, March 9 in Hooker Auditorium to present her 2004 film Let’s Get Real, about bullying in schools. Most other films about bullying are primarily from the perspective of adults and administrators, rather than the people who are experiencing it themselves. “We decided not to talk to adults,” said Chasnoff. “Instead, we wanted to talk to kids and not judge them and just hear them speak.”
The film has gained much acclaim and has been viewed in schools from universities to K-12 across the country. The film touches on issues of sexuality and gender, as well as race, religion and ethnicity that middle-school age children encounter when being called names or bullied in school. Chasnoff worked with students who were both the victims of and the cause of bullying, and got them to talk about the issues they face in schools because of bullying from their peers. Students spoke about the fears they face not only from gossip and comments from classmates and friends, but how getting help from parents and teachers even causes stress because of the backlash from “snitching.”
“It was such a good film. I hope they have more showings of the film both on college campus and in local schools. It’s great work that [Chasnoff] is doing and I hope that she continues with it becaus bullying is everywhere. Either you’re a bully or a victim of bullying or both. It affects everyone,” said Sara Howard ’11.
An anti-bullying bill is up for review by state senate, one that will crack down on face-to-face bullying as well as online threats that young people encounter. A similar bill exists in 41 states already, according to Derrek Shulman, director of the Anti-Defamation League New England office. The bill is due for review by state senate this month.
Related posts:
- Anti-Bullying bill to be debated in Mass. Senate
- MA House and Senate pass anti-bullying bill
- Summer internship offers film majors the reel deal
- Students discuss definitions of bullying, hazing on campus
- Bullying can lead to unexpected deaths
