This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Re "A victim of bullying?" (Tribune, Nov. 30):
The recent suicide of a 14-year-old boy in Taylorsville has really made me reflect on things. As adults, we often speak out on bullying, but do we realize that our attitudes toward others are passed on to our kids?
Our discomfort and distaste for those who are different — whether it be because of ethnicity, sexual identity, religion, political preference, body size or whatever — are reflected and magnified in how our kids treat their peers.
Do you hate President Barack Obama and think he's a horrible person? So do your kids, and they might hate other black people, too.
Do you think gay people are going to hell or don't deserve the same rights as others? So do your kids, and they'll let them know it and make fun of them for it.
Do you joke about fat people, or lazy Mexicans, or rant about poor people looking for a handout? So do your kids, but they don't realize how hurtful it can be.
If we want kids to stop bullying, we need to first take a look at how we treat others who are different.
David Dinger
Murray