Reflective Thinking

Hello everyone,

today i will be answering a question that really brings out some harsh reality in the society.

Here is the question:
Have you ever been part of a group of people who were unkind to one or some individuals? What was the circumstances? How did you act? What did you feel?

Yes, i have definitely been in such a situation before. It was present in the class last year, even in such a high class, and world class institution. (people shall not be named, so that they would not be degraded.)

In class, there are many people, going against one individual, just because he had a different personality, and different habits, as compared to the class. However, this was not a reason for any of us to start mocking him, and calling him names like "dog".

I shall name the victim of this matter, person A. 

At first, it was just one person, bullying person A, but he influenced many others, and soon, the whole class hated him, and started making fun of person A. At first, he just laughed together with us, thinking that it was the usual harmless nicknames that everyone gives him. But soon, he found out that him being called "dog" is not just any harmless thing, and started feeling hurt.

Seeing that people are bullying him, i did not stop the class from mocking him, but instead, became a sinner, together with them. I joined in the "fun", and found happiness, when person A was feeling demoralised and deeply hurt.

I feel really really guilty now, and thinking about it back then, i really should have thought twice, thrice or maybe 10 times, before i joined in.

Even though i may not be of any help, and may not have any power, then, to stop the class from their unacceptable and notorious acts, i could have at least, not join in, and at least let person A know that at least he has some of his friends together with him, on his side. However, instead of doing so, i joined in!

I simply cant imagine why i did that, and i certainly did not think of how the other party will feel. I did not think of the psychological and mental, negative impact that would be inflicted into person A's mind. Furthermore, this negative memory would be etched in his minds, like a tattoo, hard to forget. Thus, this would become a lifelong impact on him as well.

At first, person A did not want to raise this matter to the adults. However, when the whole class didnt stop mocking him, he really could not take it anymore, and he complained to the teacher and his parents. He only named 4 "more major" culprits, and not the whole class. However, i am very sure that everyone, then, including me, had the guilt in our hearts, but not the courage to own up as well. The major culprits were sent to see the discipline master, Mr Sung Kah Kee, and were given 3 demerit points each, with CWOs needed to complete as well.

If i could go back on time, i would definitely have done otherwise, and tried to persuade my classmates to stop whatever childish and unacceptable actions straight away.

I really am sincerely sorry, and would like to apologise profusely to him. I know it may seem like just any kind of apology, but this is really from the bottom of my heart, and i hope that person A can forgive me! D:

Yours sincerely,
Mervin Lim
Ps.Stop bullying!!! :@
(563 words)
This post is true, and i am really sincere about it! D: