Student Spotlight: BS Bullying and Stereotyping
Jul 11, 2026 | by Che Gallimore (rising 7th grader)
BS Bullying and Stereotyping
By Che Gallimore
Nerd. Jock. Class Clown. Many terms like this exist. Maybe you've heard one, or even been called one of these or something similar. If you've been referred to as one of these, did you simply laugh it off and pretend it didn't affect you? Probably! Maybe it made you feel like you couldn't be anything more. This generalization, if you may, is called stereotyping.
When you fill your water bottle, you can't let it overflow, or you'll waste water and make a mess in some situations. Think about your temper as a water bottle. You can probably take an insult or two, which might even not go into this imaginary Stanley, but if you take too much water, or too many criticisms or rude comments in this case, water might come pouring out the top. Now think about a quirk you have. Maybe you love reading, or you can't get enough of arbitrary biking facts. If you aren't exactly proud of it, visualize it as a weak spot in your bottle. To cover up the weak spots in their own bottles, people try to break through your defenses, which is easier if you don't take pride in your features. If they say something mean, or cruel enough, your figurative Stanley might spring a leak. Maybe the attacker will find more weak spots in your armor, or should I say your bottle, and keep draining you of your dignity. If someone keeps targeting weak spots relentlessly, that is called bullying.
If you hold your water bottle high and are proud of who you are, your quirks, and your strengths, you won't be much of a target! In fact, you might become an example to others. Your confidence will speak loudly: this is me, my genius, my strengths, my quirks, and my annoying flaws… and, guess what? I like myself just as I am!!!