Brittney Hughes September 7, 2014
Each day children attend school to receive an education. But although school is necessary and beneficial for becoming productive citizens, there are experiences such as bullying and racism that make them not want to go. These experiences end up marking youth for the rest of their lives. Some children find an outlet to their problems by bulling others. Over the years bullying has grown tremendously affecting our schools and communities and as a result our future generations and their lively hood are at stake.
Historically, bullying took place in the mid 1970s. Dan Olweus, a research professor of psychology, was the first to conduct an intensive study on bullying among students using his own systematic researching methods (Voo, 2007, p. 112). He created the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), which had significant results in reducing school bullying (Hazelden Foundation, 2007). Olweus’s efforts and solutions contributed greatly to the fight against bullying increasing awareness, initiating other professionals to conduct more research, and expanding the knowledge of bullying (Voo, 2007). Because of Olweus’s efforts researchers suggest that there have been a positive impact on decreasing school violence and bringing safety awareness to schools.
Bullying and racism are problems that have been a part of America’s history for many years. Bullying can be verbal, physical, I chose to discuss bullying and racism because there have been an increase in our future generations. By discussing these problems, my goal to increase awareness, formulate strategies and methods while crafting solutions. There are many contributing factors to bullying and racism. In my opinion some contributing factors to racism and bullying includes: self-esteem, lack of education, the need to survive, and cultural differences. Self-esteem can cause racism due to individuals having low self-esteem, therefore exhibiting prejudicial and bullying behaviors to boost or restore esteem. Lack of education allows individuals to have no knowledge about the true meaning of racism and the consequence(s) it brings. As a result individuals identify with or join groups that fit their interest(s) which may lead to holding grudges and having negative attitudes. Survival is a mandatory behavior for functioning on this earth. The survival momentum has humans thriving in various identified groups while competing against others for resources; causing a dislike amongst group (s). Cultural differences can also cause the behavior of bullying or racism due to the differences in lifestyles. As a result individuals are categorized into groups such as Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics and etc.
My theory is that any problem can be prevented or solved. If we educate ourselves practice positive behavior, and promote awareness then problems may be solved. Some policy subsystems that might be expected to deal with racism and bullying in the present and future are employers, schools, and government just to name a few. Education is necessary in order to change the mentioned subsystems. Racism and bullying are beliefs, actions, and behaviors that are transported and formulated from ones on perception or view point that has been taught or learned. Opposing policy idealism that I may likely encounter are affirmative action, undocumented workers, and civil rights movements just to name a few.
My goal in addressing bullying and racism is by identifying with it on a personal and professional level. I believe that early intervention, such as effective discipline and boundaries are the best solution. Some things can be done at the school however these problems must also be addressed by parents in the home. Handing out questionnaires to all students, teachers, and parents that discusses if bullying is occurring would be the first step. Second, I would get parents, teachers, and children involved in a bullying program where they are educated on the signs of bullying, strategies and prevention techniques are taught and positive behavior is reinforce throughout their routine.
These problems exist globally therefore I must educate and familiarize myself with knowing the importance of it and the effects that it has on our society. By educating myself first, I am starting the change process. I can only address public problems and change them if I start by being open to addressing and changing the way I think first.
Today, bullying is viewed much differently than it was in the 1800’s. Due to researchers like Dan Olweus, gaining true understanding of bullying is now possible. Educators have been able to gain insights of these issues so they can prevent and craft solutions so that schools can be viewed as safe haven places.

References:
Crosby, B.C., & Bryson, J.M.(2005). Leadership for the common good: Tackling public problems in a shared-power world. Hoboken.NJ: Jossey-Bass.
Hazelden Foundation, (2007). Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Research and History. Retrieved from http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/olweus
Routledge, C. (2010). Psychology Today: Exploring the psychological motives of racism. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/death-love-sex-magic/201008/exploring-the-psychological-motives-racism/comments
Koo, H. (2007). A Time Line of the Evolution of School Bullying in Differing Social Context. Asia Pacific Education Review, Vol. 8, No. 1, 107-116. Retrieved from https://webspace.utexas.edu/lab3346/School%20Bullying/Koo2007/Koreabullyinghistory2007.pdf