Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide

Any article about suicide is sad to read, but some like this one just makes me angry. The story details the purposeful and sustained bullying by teen peers at a high school in Massachusetts.

I wonder if it's possible to have enough self-esteem at age 15 to fend off this campaign of hatefulness? We will discuss in class the research that indicates that self-esteem in adolescent females tends to diminish over the four years of high school.

• What was the preceding event that triggered the bullying?
• What might have been some of the recent changes for Phoebe that might have contributed to her sense of isolation?
• What needed to happen to protect Phoebe, and why didn't it happen?
• What do you think is the sociological function of bullying? Why do you think it is so difficult to control?
  

Here is the article...

Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide
[click here to visit article]

Please work to help curb bullying in your community.
-Jeff
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Photos of overweight mom spark backlash

In our Husr 224 textbook, Nathaniel Branden states that we build our self-respect when we defend our worth against unnecessary criticism.

I thought that the attached article featured a quote from the person who is the subject of the article, that demonstrated good defense of her worth.

• What was the woman criticized for?
• How did she defend her worth?
• What elements of her statement do you think make good examples of a person with self-respect?
• What did the woman suggest might be the reason that people were being cruel?
  

Here's the article...

Photos of overweight mom spark backlash
[click here to view]

Don't forget, you have the right to defend your dignity!
-Jeff
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The luckiest man in pajamas

I was drawn to this article because of the intriguing headline. But very soon I was on the verge of tears.

This is a story of hardship being neutralized by the overwhelming power of friendships. The man who is the subject of the story has built an amazing following of friends who have volunteered to become caretakers and companions. Certainly anyone who can pull of this amazing feat must have oodles of self-esteem that is attractive to others.

• What are the multiple hardships that this man has faced?
• What are some examples from the story that imply he has self-respect and self-efficacy?
• What qualities and characteristics discussed in lecture do you think this man has used in his life to defend his self-esteem against hardships?
• Has his story inspired you to consider doing something differently in your own life?

Here's a link to the story...

The Luckiest Man In Pajamas

[read article here]

I'll leave you with this thought... learn how to smile with your eyes!
-Jeff
>>> please report broken links to the professor
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