After many years of fighting, Matt Epling and his family have finally received the justice they deserve. Following the suicide of Matt Epling, his family has been pushing the state to pass an anti-bullying law, and finally they passed one this morning.
Matt Epling was an 8th grader from East Lansing at the time of his death. On his last day of school he was harassed and assaulted by upperclassmen from the high school. Nothing was done to the attackers and a few weeks later Matt committed suicide due to the torment and embarrassment he suffered.
Since then, Matt's parents have fought for a law preventing a situation like theirs from happening to any other family. Before the passing of the law, Michigan was one of three states that had not passed an anti-bullying law. The rest of the country already had.
Then earlier this year a bill was finally passed, but with much controversy. It banned bullying but with the exception of being able to bully if what the person was saying was based on moral or religious conviction. This made national headlines, and infuriated many. Mr. Epling was quoted saying, "I am ashamed that this could be Michigan's bill on bullying."
Senator Gretchen Whitmer also have a speech condemning the bill. Many saw it as condoning bullying rather than fighting against it.
The senate evnTually revised the bill, taking that specific clause out. The law now requires every school to have an anti-bullying policy and requires investigation upon incident.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Bullying and the media
Bullying, which has always been an issue in schools, has finally become more of a mainstream issue in recent times. Once something not often public ally spoken about is getting national attention. Has bullying always been this serious? Or are we just realizing it now?
There have been recent cases of bullying that have been placed in the media spotlight. Most of these being suicides being done in reaction to harassment the victim endured. These stories have been occupying our newspapers and televisions. All of these stories are familiar to me. I could name A few off the top of my head.
Sometimes I don't agree with the media's exploitation of certain issues but I applaud the way they have handled this issue. They have brought mass exposure of it to the public and in turn has generated much interest in the subject. Bullying has never had the kind of dominance in the media as it does today. Many high profile people have become involved with the cause. Celebrities are speaking out about their own experiences and/or are just supporting the cause, laws are being implemented due to certain cases, and there are commercials, campaigns, and advertisements dedicated to the fight against bullying. The White House even had a anti-bullying summit. It has become an item of national agenda.
Bullying is something that will never go away, but with all these means of technology we are I grasp of, it is making society aware that it is indeed a serious issue.
There have been recent cases of bullying that have been placed in the media spotlight. Most of these being suicides being done in reaction to harassment the victim endured. These stories have been occupying our newspapers and televisions. All of these stories are familiar to me. I could name A few off the top of my head.
Sometimes I don't agree with the media's exploitation of certain issues but I applaud the way they have handled this issue. They have brought mass exposure of it to the public and in turn has generated much interest in the subject. Bullying has never had the kind of dominance in the media as it does today. Many high profile people have become involved with the cause. Celebrities are speaking out about their own experiences and/or are just supporting the cause, laws are being implemented due to certain cases, and there are commercials, campaigns, and advertisements dedicated to the fight against bullying. The White House even had a anti-bullying summit. It has become an item of national agenda.
Bullying is something that will never go away, but with all these means of technology we are I grasp of, it is making society aware that it is indeed a serious issue.
Monday, November 21, 2011
reflections..
Although the MSU vs U of M game happened many weeks ago, it was still a memorable game and worth reflecting on. The game is quite the experience every year, usually involving some kind of incident. No Michigan/Michigan State football game can pass by without episodes of drama. Out of all the games of the season, it is definitely the most intense one to witness and experience. Even if someone has friends at the neighboring school, they are automatically enemies for the day. It is impossible to walk the streets of either school on this day and escape unscathed.
Luckily this year, the MSU students could catch a break because the game took place on our turf. Michigan kids were not so lucky. As far as fans freaking out at eachother, it was more uneventful than other years. Last years game seemed to be the peak of crazy. It took place in Ann Arbor and it seemed impossible for me to go anywhere without being yelled at and insulted. I don't know why it was more tame than last year, but East Lansing still put up a pretty good fight.
Sure it wasn't as crazy, but I still witnessed a lot of fights and acting out. There were fights in the street, people yelling at each other, and even adults at the bars giving dirty glances to the people across the room wearing Michigan apparel. But still, it wasn't half as bad as I was anticipating.
Maybe it was increased police presence that made the day go by so much smoother. I did notice that everywhere I turned, there was a police officer watching over everyone. Cops were milling about at the stadium, invading the streets, and they were even on horses.
Out of the past three years I have been going to Michigan State games, this year seems to be the most under control. Compared to last year, this current season is calm. Even such little games, like the one against Western Michigan brought out the ugly in fans last year. It was obviously not a game that mattered much but fans were still so abrupt. Every important game that we have had thus far, I have planned to expect the worst out of fans. I was pleasantly surprised especially at the Michigan and Wisconsin games that I didn't see anything too terrible.
A good rivalry always makes things more interesting, but I have especially enjoyed going to games this year. When everyone can get along and watch a game together in peace, it really makes the experience more positive. Maybe causing a ruckus at games is getting old. Maybe fans are finally realizing it isn't worth it. Thankfully, it looks like fans are finally leaving the fighting for on the field
U of M loses to MSU
highlights
Luckily this year, the MSU students could catch a break because the game took place on our turf. Michigan kids were not so lucky. As far as fans freaking out at eachother, it was more uneventful than other years. Last years game seemed to be the peak of crazy. It took place in Ann Arbor and it seemed impossible for me to go anywhere without being yelled at and insulted. I don't know why it was more tame than last year, but East Lansing still put up a pretty good fight.
Sure it wasn't as crazy, but I still witnessed a lot of fights and acting out. There were fights in the street, people yelling at each other, and even adults at the bars giving dirty glances to the people across the room wearing Michigan apparel. But still, it wasn't half as bad as I was anticipating.
Maybe it was increased police presence that made the day go by so much smoother. I did notice that everywhere I turned, there was a police officer watching over everyone. Cops were milling about at the stadium, invading the streets, and they were even on horses.
Out of the past three years I have been going to Michigan State games, this year seems to be the most under control. Compared to last year, this current season is calm. Even such little games, like the one against Western Michigan brought out the ugly in fans last year. It was obviously not a game that mattered much but fans were still so abrupt. Every important game that we have had thus far, I have planned to expect the worst out of fans. I was pleasantly surprised especially at the Michigan and Wisconsin games that I didn't see anything too terrible.
A good rivalry always makes things more interesting, but I have especially enjoyed going to games this year. When everyone can get along and watch a game together in peace, it really makes the experience more positive. Maybe causing a ruckus at games is getting old. Maybe fans are finally realizing it isn't worth it. Thankfully, it looks like fans are finally leaving the fighting for on the field
U of M loses to MSU
highlights
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sports fans are crazy. It seems like now more than ever, dedicated sports nuts are pushing the boundary of insanity, regarding their loyalty to their teams. 10 years ago, I never would have expected to see top news stories about fan violence, but it seems to be a common thing these days. Being an MSU student and a regular football game attendee, I've had my fair share of incidents as far as crazy fans go. I've been harrassed by rivals and admittedly been a loony one myself. At the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State game last year, I almost got in a fist fight with a girl because she said Michigan students are smarter. On the same day, I got water thrown on me for wearing a Michigan State shirt. Why do we all care so much? When it comes down to it, its just a game. Fans seem to take a jab against their team more personally than being told they're ugly or fat. Fan violence is on the rise, andit really makes one think why it has to go that far.
Intense rivalries are a normal thing for college students. The mixture of alcohol from tailgating all day and the strong love for a team by immature college kids, is bound to generate some fighting. But there have been numerous reports in the news of fan violence breaking out at professional games by grown adults. Adults intensely fighting over sports? What has this world come to? Our peers, the people we look to to set example for us are acting like children. It has even gone so far that people have died at the hands of fan violence. This past August, two men were shot and another was seriously beaten following a 49er's and Raiders game in California. Another incident reported was of a drunk man purposedly vomiting on a young girl and her father at a Philadelphia Philly's game because the father requested him to stop cursing. One incident in particular gained notoriety this past year when a San Francisco Giant's fan was beaten outside of Dodgers Stadium and was put in critical condition. These are just a few of many cases of fan violence.
Incidents like these are making everyone forget about why we all came out to watch sports in the first place. Sports used to be something that brought everyone together, a common interest. Something for families to do together, a safe place to get away from every day troubles. When I was growing up, I recall fond memories of going to Cincinnati Reds games with my family every summer. Sporting events shouldn't be places of safety concern or hazard. When I go to sporting events and find myself to be on the other teams turf, I get a feeling of instant worry in me. I get paranoid about what wrath I am about to encounter from other fans and I get nervous about proudly exemplifying my team spirit. Fan violence makes it unappealing to even go to sporting events. No one wants to go to a game and worry about the crazy people on the other team.
The sporting world and its fans have reached a new low. Rivalries have always been intense but nothing like what we see today. I'll be going to the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game this upcoming weekend. I will be wearing white to avoid any harassment. We just have to cross our fingers that something will change this unfortunate trend.
Dodgers/Giants Fan Violence
fan violence in north america
Intense rivalries are a normal thing for college students. The mixture of alcohol from tailgating all day and the strong love for a team by immature college kids, is bound to generate some fighting. But there have been numerous reports in the news of fan violence breaking out at professional games by grown adults. Adults intensely fighting over sports? What has this world come to? Our peers, the people we look to to set example for us are acting like children. It has even gone so far that people have died at the hands of fan violence. This past August, two men were shot and another was seriously beaten following a 49er's and Raiders game in California. Another incident reported was of a drunk man purposedly vomiting on a young girl and her father at a Philadelphia Philly's game because the father requested him to stop cursing. One incident in particular gained notoriety this past year when a San Francisco Giant's fan was beaten outside of Dodgers Stadium and was put in critical condition. These are just a few of many cases of fan violence.
Incidents like these are making everyone forget about why we all came out to watch sports in the first place. Sports used to be something that brought everyone together, a common interest. Something for families to do together, a safe place to get away from every day troubles. When I was growing up, I recall fond memories of going to Cincinnati Reds games with my family every summer. Sporting events shouldn't be places of safety concern or hazard. When I go to sporting events and find myself to be on the other teams turf, I get a feeling of instant worry in me. I get paranoid about what wrath I am about to encounter from other fans and I get nervous about proudly exemplifying my team spirit. Fan violence makes it unappealing to even go to sporting events. No one wants to go to a game and worry about the crazy people on the other team.
The sporting world and its fans have reached a new low. Rivalries have always been intense but nothing like what we see today. I'll be going to the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game this upcoming weekend. I will be wearing white to avoid any harassment. We just have to cross our fingers that something will change this unfortunate trend.
Dodgers/Giants Fan Violence
fan violence in north america
Sports fans are crazy. It seems like now more than ever, dedicated sports nuts are pushing the boundary of insanity, regarding their loyalty to their teams. 10 years ago, I never would have expected to see top news stories about fan violence, but it seems to be a common thing these days. Being an MSU student and a regular football game attendee, I've had my fair share of incidents as far as crazy fans go. I've been harrassed by rivals and admittedly been a loony one myself. At the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State game last year, I almost got in a fist fight with a girl because she said Michigan students are smarter. On the same day, I got water thrown on me for wearing a Michigan State shirt. Why do we all care so much? When it comes down to it, its just a game. Fans seem to take a jab against their team more personally than being told they're ugly or fat. Fan violence is on the rise, andit really makes one think why it has to go that far.
Intense rivalries are a normal thing for college students. The mixture of alcohol from tailgating all day and the strong love for a team by immature college kids, is bound to generate some fighting. But there have been numerous reports in the news of fan violence breaking out at professional games by grown adults. Adults intensely fighting over sports? What has this world come to? Our peers, the people we look to to set example for us are acting like children. It has even gone so far that people have died at the hands of fan violence. This past August, two men were shot and another was seriously beaten following a 49er's and Raiders game in California. Another incident reported was of a drunk man purposedly vomiting on a young girl and her father at a Philadelphia Philly's game because the father requested him to stop cursing. One incident in particular gained notoriety this past year when a San Francisco Giant's fan was beaten outside of Dodgers Stadium and was put in critical condition. These are just a few of many cases of fan violence.
Incidents like these are making everyone forget about why we all came out to watch sports in the first place. Sports used to be something that brought everyone together, a common interest. Something for families to do together, a safe place to get away from every day troubles. When I was growing up, I recall fond memories of going to Cincinnati Reds games with my family every summer. Sporting events shouldn't be places of safety concern or hazard. When I go to sporting events and find myself to be on the other teams turf, I get a feeling of instant worry in me. I get paranoid about what wrath I am about to encounter from other fans and I get nervous about proudly exemplifying my team spirit. Fan violence makes it unappealing to even go to sporting events. No one wants to go to a game and worry about the crazy people on the other team.
The sporting world and its fans have reached a new low. Rivalries have always been intense but nothing like what we see today. I'll be going to the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game this upcoming weekend. I will be wearing white to avoid any harassment. We just have to cross our fingers that something will change this unfortunate trend.
Intense rivalries are a normal thing for college students. The mixture of alcohol from tailgating all day and the strong love for a team by immature college kids, is bound to generate some fighting. But there have been numerous reports in the news of fan violence breaking out at professional games by grown adults. Adults intensely fighting over sports? What has this world come to? Our peers, the people we look to to set example for us are acting like children. It has even gone so far that people have died at the hands of fan violence. This past August, two men were shot and another was seriously beaten following a 49er's and Raiders game in California. Another incident reported was of a drunk man purposedly vomiting on a young girl and her father at a Philadelphia Philly's game because the father requested him to stop cursing. One incident in particular gained notoriety this past year when a San Francisco Giant's fan was beaten outside of Dodgers Stadium and was put in critical condition. These are just a few of many cases of fan violence.
Incidents like these are making everyone forget about why we all came out to watch sports in the first place. Sports used to be something that brought everyone together, a common interest. Something for families to do together, a safe place to get away from every day troubles. When I was growing up, I recall fond memories of going to Cincinnati Reds games with my family every summer. Sporting events shouldn't be places of safety concern or hazard. When I go to sporting events and find myself to be on the other teams turf, I get a feeling of instant worry in me. I get paranoid about what wrath I am about to encounter from other fans and I get nervous about proudly exemplifying my team spirit. Fan violence makes it unappealing to even go to sporting events. No one wants to go to a game and worry about the crazy people on the other team.
The sporting world and its fans have reached a new low. Rivalries have always been intense but nothing like what we see today. I'll be going to the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game this upcoming weekend. I will be wearing white to avoid any harassment. We just have to cross our fingers that something will change this unfortunate trend.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Hmm...
After a long night of doing things, I'm finally home, sipping on my favorite cup of peppermint hot chocolate and am thinking about everything that happened tonight.
So i have come to the conclusion that Boys are interesting beings. Tonight, I felt like I was one of them, like I really got some insight on how they are and why they are that way. It is incredibly interesting what boys and girls take seriously and consider important.
For instance, I had the pleasure of sitting through a flag football game, in the rainy weather tonight. Being the supportive friend that I am, I decided to cheer on my guy friend's football team as they entered their second round of playoffs. They were practically begging me to come out and support the team. Who knew flag football games were so important? Apparently not me.
For my friend and myself,we were under the impression that flag football teams and games were nonsense; a good way for the boys to get out, play some football, and have fun. We were expecting an entertaining, funny game to watch, but you would have thought these guys were playing for a Super Bowl. There was trash talking between the teams, all the players got overly physical with one another despite the fact that this was a "flag football" game, and the The boys got so mad at us every time we laughed after a play. It got to the point where my one friend jake, asked us to move because "we were a a distraction and weren't funny at all."
After the game, I was graced with being able to go back to the boy's house and watch them play the coveted new edition of Call of Duty. I must say it was probably one of the most entertaining experiences I have ever encountered. The level of seriousness was way beyond anything I had fathomed. It was all business. There was screaming and yelling at each other and absolutely no talking to the non players. One significant lesson I did learn was to NEVER steal a controller and try to play the game. It apparently isn't funny or appreciated.
So what did I learn? Don't question what guys do. They love competition and everything they consider imortant, is without a doubt very important. Video games are life and flag football is like their own NFL league.
So i have come to the conclusion that Boys are interesting beings. Tonight, I felt like I was one of them, like I really got some insight on how they are and why they are that way. It is incredibly interesting what boys and girls take seriously and consider important.
For instance, I had the pleasure of sitting through a flag football game, in the rainy weather tonight. Being the supportive friend that I am, I decided to cheer on my guy friend's football team as they entered their second round of playoffs. They were practically begging me to come out and support the team. Who knew flag football games were so important? Apparently not me.
For my friend and myself,we were under the impression that flag football teams and games were nonsense; a good way for the boys to get out, play some football, and have fun. We were expecting an entertaining, funny game to watch, but you would have thought these guys were playing for a Super Bowl. There was trash talking between the teams, all the players got overly physical with one another despite the fact that this was a "flag football" game, and the The boys got so mad at us every time we laughed after a play. It got to the point where my one friend jake, asked us to move because "we were a a distraction and weren't funny at all."
After the game, I was graced with being able to go back to the boy's house and watch them play the coveted new edition of Call of Duty. I must say it was probably one of the most entertaining experiences I have ever encountered. The level of seriousness was way beyond anything I had fathomed. It was all business. There was screaming and yelling at each other and absolutely no talking to the non players. One significant lesson I did learn was to NEVER steal a controller and try to play the game. It apparently isn't funny or appreciated.
So what did I learn? Don't question what guys do. They love competition and everything they consider imortant, is without a doubt very important. Video games are life and flag football is like their own NFL league.
Football showdown
Tonight is a very important night. While most of us are at home enjoying various prime time television shows, I, myself am sitting on the sidelines of a football field, taking in the damp, fall weather. The air is wet and cold and I find myself only in a flannel button-up. Why am I in this current state? It is playoff time for flag football teams of course. And I am the Prowling Panther's number one supporter and was obligated to come out and watch them fight for a win. It is round two of the playoffs and the Panthers barely clenched a win last week. The game about to start is going to be a challenge for the team, considering the opponents are double the size and actually know plays. Besides that, they are twice the size in numbers and the panthers are, as of now openly panicking on the field due to the unknown absence of a key member. This game marks an important one for the panthers because team captain, Mark is facing off against his brother, Casey and his team of buff and big med students. Trash talk is being volleyed back and forth between the opposing players and the tension is so thick it could be cut with a knife. The refs are explaining the rules, and I'm trying to comprehend. Apparently, flag football rules differ than regular rules of football. Looks like it's going to be a long game and a long night. It is unfortunate that I'm not in the mood to be more supportive. At least I have movie trailers to watch if I get bored. Looks like the ref just blew his whistle, and the game begins. Details will come next, see you then.
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