The Scene staff
The New York Post recently published a story about an elementary school student who had been bullied for three years but refused to fight back because, he said, “It’s not the Jedi way.”
The student’s name is Aiden Vasquez, and he’s 10 years old. In August, he was pushed against a wall by another student, causing lacerations on his cheek and under his eyebrow, and his eye was bloodied.
The incident was captured on video. Aiden’s mother, Lizette Casanova, said it was the second time she had taken him to hospital due to bullying. I found this story to be disturbing.
Often, bullying only involves teasing and other verbal abuse. Sometimes it gets physical, resulting in a bloody nose, black eye or bruises. Or it can escalate, as it did in Aiden’s case.
When you’re a kid, you’re influenced by what you see on TV and at the movies. Characters inspire you and give you something to believe in.
But it seems to me that “Star Wars” isn’t helping Aiden at all. By not fighting back, he will likely end up back in the hospital, and next time, his injuries might be much more serious.
In the newspaper story, Aiden’s mother commented that her son was smarter and nicer than other boys his age. She plans to press charges against the school. She also wonders why police aren’t doing more to stop the bullying.
I understand how Casanova is feeling. If a kid like Aiden is going through a bad situation, such as bullying, and no one is doing anything to stop it, then a mother has a right to be upset.
I think it’s safe to say that all teachers should make more of an effort to stop bullying in schools. If they don’t, verbal abuse can lead to physical abuse, and physical abuse can lead to gun violence.
The video of Aiden’s assault went viral, and Aiden’s mother said many people approved of his determination not to resort to violence. That included “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill.
But other people said Aiden should fight back, and I agree with them. I know that Aiden isn’t the kind of kid who resorts to violence, and that shows wisdom. But his passive reactions haven’t helped him one bit.
When you don’t resolve an issue involving a bully, then he, or she, will think it’s OK to do it again and the situation will escalate. Or the bully will find someone else to pick on.
In Aiden’s case, he had no teachers or security officers to help with his situation. I’m not saying that people should always respond to violence with violence, but a kid shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for himself by throwing a punch.