the official why are kids so mean threand insperd by "stuped mean girls"

[Liam]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 10:34am

tell me a story when things like that happend to you it hapend to all of us lets make a suport groupe

[Liam]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 11:58am

bump

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:26pm

When I was in 7th grade a senior threw me up against a locker and punched me because he thought I was gay(not that there is anyhing wrong with that).

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:31pm

Last week in my music class, my teacher played 'The Grand March' from Verdi's AIDA. Now, this guy didn't know that it wasn't the same as Broadway's AIDA, so he was giving me this hard time about it, and it upset me, because he knew how much I love the show. So then I told this to a "Friend" of mine online (who now isn't my friend) and this "Friend" said "You know what? You think you're so much better than everyone else when you bring up Broadway and people don't like it. They hate you for it! You're so stuck up about it! You think you're using some knowledge, and it pisses them off." This led me to have a semi-breakdown, and I just cried for an hour, because I thought these people were my friends.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:34pm

i know how that feels Diva. the same thing happens with me. People are just cruel. I have been an outcast since I can remember.I have no clue why. I haven't even done anything, but try to be nice to others. You guys are my real friends. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true.

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:37pm

That doesn't sound stupid, ponine! I have more friends here than I do in school or anywhere else. Everyone here understands us, and I'm so thankful that I found this site. People are so much nicer here, and they know what we're going through and are always there to offer kind words.

[FabalaCohen]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:39pm

My eighth grade year was a living hell for me. Especially what happened that February- I was walking home with a friend, and these two girls (one who hated me) came up to us, and started spitting in my hair and throwing snowballs and ice chunks at me. I ran home crying my eyes out, and my parents had to come into school the next Monday and have a talk with my principal. That summer, my parents told us that we were putting our house up for sale.

Also, for the two years we were on the market, some guy- never found out who- thought it would be funny to throw rocks at me on my way home as well. The school did absolutely nothing about these instances.

[laactress]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:43pm

In Middle/High School I had VERY bad skin! I was made fun of all the time until I decided that it was enough cause I just felt SO low that I transfered to the theater arts school where everyone was accepting of everyone! It litterally has affected me to this day in my 20's. I have not one mark left on my face and apparently to everyone else my scars are not noticable but to me I HATE them and can't wait until I can afford the laser treatment so they will be gone forever and all those bad memories of people teasing me will be over.

[nobizlikeshobiz]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:45pm

last year in december, I had three best friends. Two of them started acting like they were so mad at me, and I was a horrible person, and everything I did was wrong. I did absolutly nothing wrong, and the one that wasn't mad at me agreed. She also told me everything they were saying about me behind my back. We tried asking them if they were mad at me, and they said no. So one day when it was getting really hard to deal with, I tried talking to one of them and she just said like, shut up leave me alone, and she just ran away even though I was almost hysterically crying. SO that was the last time I ever talked to either of them, so I just had to find other people to sit with at lunch and all that, and my other friend(who has since stopped being my friend) could only talk to me when they weren't around. It was really hard to get over it to, I started getting severe migraines and throwing up from the stress and everything. About a month ago the other friend did pretty much the same thing they did, when I would talk to her she wouldn't even look me in the eye, and she acted like she was late for something. ::::exhales:::: you guys are the first to hear the whole story!

Updated On: 11/21/04 at 12:45 PM

[Liam]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 12:54pm

i remeber this summer my old friend becam populer and left me behind and i was walking around the lake in town with my frind and the kid passed by yelling "FAGIT" "RETARD""ARENT YOU LATE FOR GUYS AND DOLLS" "GAY LORD" at me and my fried is so STAND UP FOR YOUR SELF AND MAKE A JOKE OUT OF IT attitude and started yelling back at him "OH are you talking to me or Liam" "Liams not gay""what makes yu think Liams gay" and i was just begging him to shut up and just run away it was so imbarising b/c i knew in school he wouldntbe ther (hes older then me) and i would have to deal whith him alone and i cant do that

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 2:24pm

In the first grade, it started. I got teased and I don't know why. They made up silly things, but as I was promoted to each grade above, they got worse.

In 1st grade, it was "Nose-picker! Stupid! Dumby-head!"

2nd grade: "Big ears! Retard!"

3rd grade: "Eeew, go away! You have cooties!"

4th grade: "Gaywad! Ugly retarded boy! Homo!"

Now I was not and still am not gay. I have no clue where gaywad and nose-picker and retarded came from. In fact, I didn't even know really what any of these words meant. I just knew these were insults.

I would go home crying every day from school. It got to the point where I had to switch schools, so I did when it came time for the 5th grade.

Now the 5th grade is a big deal. Its the first time you feel like an adult, as your the highest grade in the school.

New school - this time it would be different. This time I will have friends and be liked!

WRONG. The insults got worse.

"You gay fruit! Stay away from me!" And other names. And it got to the next level. On the bus people would throw things at me. Shout across the bus and call me names and taunt me and make fun of me. I could never get a seat because no one wanted to sit with me. It even got to the point where I had to sit on the floor a few times.

My parents couldn't stand it anymore. They set up conferences between me, the bully kids, and the school counselor. The first time - I was scared stiff. I thought they were going to beat me up. The counselor suggested a compromise, we just leave each other alone. I quickly agreed, as did they, but it didn't stop. Just got worse.

Winter time came, I would get tripped on the ice. Have snow be thrown at me. Threats that they were gonna beat me up. "You wanna fight, fruit cup?"

5th grade was the worst of my school years - ever. For field trips, I was in a group all alone with my dad, except for one where I was with the teacher and a couple other students.

One time in music class, the teacher left the room. The taunting began. The seating in the room is V-shaped, so I had kids all around me calling me names. I felt like the room was spinning and every single kid in the class was laughing and calling me the ugliest words. I couldn't take it! As soon as I started to tear up, I sprang out of the room. My teacher and the other teacher were just outside talking, and my teacher at first shouted "What are you doing - get back..." but then he saw my face and asked what was wrong. I told him the things they were saying to me, and he told me to wait in the hall until he got me. He went into the room, and I could hear him shouting at them. I couldn't tell what he was saying, but he was really mad. Finally he got me, and I came in with my head down - supremely embarassed. As I came in, everyone was saying "Sorry." Some meant it - others were just mad they got yelled at.

Before this incident, there was another harsh one. The worst of the bullies left to go to the bathroom. Few minutes later, I was asked to bring a note to the office. I went down the hall, and I heard voices from around the corner. It was the bully, talking to someone I hadn't seen before. Before I turned the corner, I heard "there's this kid in our class and he's really gay. Don't go near him!" then I turned the corner, and they both saw me, and as I continued down the hall, I heard "that's him! He's the gay one!"

I was also asked out for the first time in the 5th grade - and by a REALLY pretty girl. I didn't know her, because she was in a different class. However, because of my fear of everyone, I was timid. I asked my parents if it was OK, and they said "No, you're too young." So I told her no, she looked upset, and ran away.

This post is already long, and it is about to get longer. Now time for middle school.

6th grade. Totally different. In many different classes with different teachers. I finally got some friends - a tiny group, but at least I had some. No one really would interact with me. People still said bad things about me, but hardly ever to my face. No real name-calling.

In the 6th grade, I joined Stage Crew, mainly because I wanted to get out of classes so I wouldn't be around the other kids. THIS INTRODUCED ME TO THEATRE!

At first, I didn't like it much. Just had to set up a thousand folding chairs in rows for assemblies and such. But then it came time for our school musical - BYE BYE BIRDIE. I LOVED the show! I didn't really know what theatre was until I saw this production. I never wanted it to end!

7th grade, same thing. Our musical was ANNIE.

Now in the 8th grade, something happened that changed my life. I just was teased and talked about and had the same small group of friends (7, including me). This time, our school musical was PETER PAN!

I had seen the Mary Martin video, since my dad bought it when he bought the Disney Peter Pan on video (he likes MOVIE musicals. Don't think he liked Peter Pan). Anyway, I became HOOKED on the show. Our actors flew! Our dancers danced in the aisles of the audience. Hook interacted with the audience! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE!

Not only did this develop my life-long interest in theatre, but it also became the foundation for my love of PETER PAN.

In 9th grade, we moved, and I switched schools again. We didn't have a theatre program - just one class, no school play. Now I was REALLY the new kid. I wasn't teased really. I was more of an outcast. No one really socialized with me. The only name-calling I got were people calling me "quiet." WELL OF COURSE, I'M QUIET! I JUST WENT THROUGH 8 YEARS OF TORTURE!

9th grade I had nothing going for me. This was the year I got my first computer. Basically, the computer became my life. I lived just for my online world. This was also the year I discovered the Cathy Rigby PETER PAN DVD. I purchased it, and it renewed my love for the story. I then created a Peter Pan website for the Cathy Rigby production - because the A&E one was lousy.

10th grade I switched schools again. I won the lottery for a school of the arts. I finally found my real purpose in life - the theatre. I always thought I was going to be a stage crew person - but it was WAY different. The work was harder. It was no longer fun. Good thing I signed up for an acting class too. I found my calling (or did I? see College).

10th-12th grade my love for theatre, especially musicals, grew and grew. However, my high school career as an actor was unfortunate. I STARRED in a show - Bang Bang You're Dead as "Josh." But due to the lack of other students not wanting to do the production - we never performed. My big break - and I never got and audience. My hard work gone to waste. We did the show again the next year, this time I was the student director. I was in a lot of scene showcases. Finally, in my senior year, I was cast as Drake/Mr. Bundles in ANNIE. For the audition, it was the first time I sang in public. The director and music director's eyes widened. When I was finished, the music director said "YOU CAN SING!" I thought for sure I would be "Rooster." But I went to New York to see WICKED and AIDA the day of call-backs, so the best I could get was Drake/Bundles. Fine roles, but campy and hardly any singing. Unfortunate.

Lastly, I was cast as the Wicked Stepmother in COMMEDIA CINDERELLA. We toured to elementary schools. The budget was low, and due to costume/set/prop trouble, it didn't go as good as it could have.

College. Theatre major. I am friends with everyone - also I do not socialize as much as others. I don't go to parties. I don't really hang out. Essentially, I just don't know what to do or what to say. I have no lines. All these years of torment have scarred me for life.

Now, I am not sure what I want. I KNOW my calling is in the teatre - but as an actor, director, or theatre teacher? I will figure this out along the way. I'm now cast as Dill in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and I am using this as a test to see if I am really to be an actor. Do I enjoy it? Can I see myself doing this the rest of my life?

I guess I told my life story. But my life story IS that I was teased - I'm the outcast - I have no or little friends - I have no social life.

Do you know how many years I would sit on the couch and watch TV instead of being outside and playing with friends?

Have I ever considered suicide? Yes. 5th grade, I even told my parents that I wish I were dead. But no anymore - this is NOT the answer. For ANYONE considering it - think about this: If there is ONE person who will miss you on any level - just ONE - it is worth living. If you don't live for yourself, live for others. If you feel your life is worthless - put worth in it. Join a charity, help out others. Get focused on your career. Think of those that will miss you: parents, relatives, friends, classmates, teachers, audiences, etc. Suicide is NEVER EVER EVER the answer.

"If you don't like your life, CHANGE IT! You are your own master, there are no shackles on you."
--AIDA

Just sitting back and looking over everything I wrote - I realize this is the first time I have sat back and thought about my entire life. It brought back many sad, and some happy memories and flashbacks. I have blown my nose and wiped away the tears.

My life right now is worth EVERYTHING that happened to me. My life now IS the theatre. It is what I live for and although I may not be popular, I couldn't be happier. Again, if you ever have suicidal thoughts, if you're ever down on the ground and can't get up - just remember: life goes on. It will all be in the past. The future holds good fortune for you. Live for others and live for the future, and soon you will learn to live for yourself.

And now, my big finale:

BUT I'M HERE!

LOOK WHO'S HERE!

I'M STILL HERE!!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 2:37pm

Capn, I am so sorry about your past with the teasing and all. Lord knows, we have all been through that (some worse than others), but I just want you to know that you are one of the sweetest people on this board and I ruv you.

And to others that have been teased and hurt, always lift your head up and realize that you are special and a lot better than those people hurling insults at you. Just stick to the path that you are walking and one day it will get better and you will just look back on your life and laugh about it. I love all of you guys and I love this board and I hope every single one of your dreams come true, because you all deserve it.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 3:10pm

Capn-Thak you for sharing

I think one reason actors start acting is to get away from reality, at least thats how it was for me.

I have only a few true friends at my school, but my real friends are those that can understand who I am. Those that get why I hum to myself, and why I want to risk everything on a career where there are no certainties.

Going back to Capn's remark about suicide-I also once considered suicide but the minute I realized I was thinking about killing myself I started crying. NOTHING is worth killing yourself for, and I know that now. I have never actually mentioned this suicide thing before, and I probably never will again, but thank you for listening to me.

Posted: 11/21/04 at 3:22pm

Wow Capn I'm so sorry about whats happened to you. I am so glad you stuck it out and found a love in theatre even though you are now questioning what you are going to be, but thats understandable. Its really cool you were casted as Josh in Bang Bang Your Dead. Thats such an intense show/role. I was Katie in Bang Bang Your Dead my junior year in highschool. Wow what a show and it is totally intense to perform it infront of an audience. We only had 3 performances but every night was a full house and the audience left with tears every single night. I really wish you would have been able to experience that. It was amazing.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 4:06pm

i know a few people call me gay and stuff, but i have a lotta friends and hopefully next year i'll be going to high school for te preforming and visual arts, than i know the torture at hebrew skool will start. jewish boys are crap heads!

[laactress]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 4:14pm

Capn: Your story was hearbreaking but at the same time it seems like you have become a stronger person because of it! I give you a lot of credit and I look forward to seeing you on Broadway one day or maybe here in LA doing TV/Film, god knows we need some GOOD actors out here!

[Plum]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 4:29pm

I didn't get picked on much- at least not directly. I remember punching a kid once in elementary school for saying something, and that was it. But I was always (still am) painfully shy and quiet. I never had a lot of friends. I didn't wear enough makeup, read too many books, was too bad at gym and too good at the rest of school by half. So in many small ways, it was made clear I wasn't welcome with most of the other kids. Unless they wanted me to do their homework for them, which I never did.

Anyway, by 8th grade I was really sick and tired of feeling like I was a different species than my classmates, tired of being "the smart girl," and really damn tired of wondering which of the people I thought I was friendly with would stab me in the back next. So when I had a chance to go to a magnet school for high school, I leapt at the chance. And with the new start, I fit in there just fine. We were all dorks there anyway. :)

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 4:34pm

my bestestestest friend in the whole world is gay, like the Jack-from-WillandGrace kind of gay you know, and he gets made fun of mercilessly..i hate them, they are way too mean!!!!!! but everytime they make fun of him, i stand up and shout "HOMOPHOBE!" while pointing at them...ive gotten many detentions out of that one but i cant help it they shouldnt make fun of him cuz hes gay!! arg

oh and they make fun of my other guy friends who are into bway by calling them gay and stuff..they are quite certain that any guy interested in bway is gay..wow

oh and most of my friends hate me now for my new love of Broadway argness

[Liam]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 4:57pm

i hate it when kids walk up to me and tri to get me to say something so they can go tell there friends and make me look so dumb

[Liam]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 5:18pm

i would like to thank evryone on this bord becouse if it wast for you i would have proibly kiled myself a long time ago

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 5:49pm

I didn't realize we could do past stories, so I'll share.

I've always been the smart, quiet, fat kid, since first grade. I had my group of friends, but we weren't really close. I stopped being so quiet in 4th grade, but I wasn't as daring as everyone else. The teasing started in 5th grade for being "fat". I hated it, and I didn't know what to do. I became obsessed with my grades and became hooked on mythology, hoping that the mythological worlds would take me away from my problems.
The teasing became worse in 6th grade. I was always being called "fat" and "weird" and stuff like that, and I was really upset.
But then I found RENT. I found something to be interested in, and I felt like I could be myself and not have to let people pick on me and not do anything about it. I'm not even sure why RENT helped me- I guess it got me away from the crowds.
7th grade came along, and I became Broadway obsessed. Everything was Broadway, and I slowly started to develop more friends because I became more outgoing. I was still the smart, fat one, but I didn't let it bother me anymore.
January of 7th grade came along, and I decided to diet. I dropped over 30 pounds, and my friends (now I was one of the most popular girls in my grade) were my support group. People started to like me a lot more. Of course, there was still teasing for being smart and weird, but I was loud and proud of it. I felt like I was on top of the world, and I could do anything and everything.
I also found to express myself through writing poetry and songs, and coming here where I could have people who knew what I was going through.

I love you guys SO much. Thank you for always being here.

[Mythus]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 6:00pm

This isn't so much a "kids are mean" as it is a "kids aren't terribly bright" story. In one of the junior/senior classes I take (I'm a sophomore), I made some comment about gay men, and the girl next to me turned and said, "Aren't you gay?"

I was a little taken aback, and she explained, "Well, you like Broadway, and you like gay men. You're gay, right?"

If I were a man, I could understand how she might make this assumption...but I'm a girl. I asked her why liking Broadway and gay men made me gay, and she didn't answer because I'd somehow insulted her.

Kids are my school are so...ugh. So homophobic. I hate it.

[nobizlikeshobiz]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 6:09pm

yah, I'm in eighth grade and most of my class thinks being gay is "disgusting"

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 6:10pm

Yea- same here. They're like "Eww, are you gay?" And I said "There is nothing wrong with being gay." And they said "Yes there is! Being gays is weird and gross."

I can't stand homophobes. And considering they're like "OMG, that's SO gay" when they should be saying "stupid" drives me crazy, too. I don't know why "gay" is substituted for "stupid".

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 11/21/04 at 6:13pm

Same! I said something about gay marriages once and they said "Ew! Why should THEY get married?" I wanted to bash their skulls.