14 DAY TRIAL // US President Barack Obama is the latest public figure to lend his voice to the “It Gets Better” campaign meant to discourage bullying and discrimination, launched by activist and writer Dan Savage.
As we also noted on a separate occasion, the campaign was prompted by the wave of teen (gay) suicides caused by repeated bullying and, so far, many celebrities and public figures have agreed to speak up for the cause.
Mr. Obama is also doing his bit to discourage bullying and to tell victims of bullies that being different is far from a crime: it’s the very reason that will make them proud later on.
The President is taking a stand not only against discrimination against LGBT teens in the US and across the world, but against discrimination in general, whether it’s based on orientation, color or religion.
Bullying is, again, a behavior that should no longer be considered a “rite of passage” and Obama plans to do that by telling victims of bullies they will always have an adult to go to for advice and help.
“We have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe for all of our kids. To every young person out there, you need to know that if you’re in trouble, there are caring adults who can help,” the President says in the video.
Mr. Obama doesn’t know what it’s like to be singled out for his orientation (like, say, Adam Lambert), but he’s no stranger to how it feels to be bullied.
“I don’t know what it’s like to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what it’s like to grow up feeling that sometimes you don’t belong. It’s tough,” he says in the video.
“When you’re teased or bullied it can seem like somehow you brought it on yourself… With time you’re going to see that your differences are a source of pride, a source of strength,” the President says.
“You are not alone. You did not do anything wrong. You did not do anything to deserve being bullied,” Obama advises bullied teens.
“And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you, and care about you just the way you are,” he adds.
“Things will get better. And more than that, in time you’ll see that your differences are a source of pride, a source of strength,” Obama also says.
Below is President Barack Obama’s message of support for the “It Gets Better” campaign.