BULLY

RYAN:  This is the new documentary that’s garnering a lot of attention and stirring controversy over its rating.  It went from R to PG-13 after a mild recut for language.

CAROLINE: It’s because the filmmakers want to reach an audience as wide ranging as possible and all ages, right?

RYAN: Yes it’s really a message-documentary and it hit me pretty hard.  I’d certainly like my niece and nephew, who are 11 and 9, to see it.  Actually, I wish it were required viewing for all kids and teachers.

CAROLINE:  Is it really that powerful?

RYAN: It really took me back because I was bullied a lot during middle school.  It’s painful watching how mean some kids are to other kids.
 
CAROLINE:  And doesn’t this film chronicle some families whose children took their own lives because of bullying?

RYAN:  Yes and it’s heartbreaking.  And to see the mismanagement of some parents and teachers is truly frustrating to watch. 

CAROLINE: There has been more attention to bullying in recent years, with the whole “It Gets Better” campaign and all.

RYAN: That’s a great thing.  Anything that puts focus on the issue is good.  I understand it’s a difficult issue to deal with since it involves students and teachers versus parents and who’s really responsible.
 
CAROLINE:  Well we all are as a community.

RYAN:  Exactly.  And these are the kind of discussions this documentary can inspire.  But obviously, there have to be ways to successfully handle bullying – so kids don’t hurt themselves or others in retaliation.

CAROLINE: Yeah that’s never good.

RYAN:  The bottom line here is that it’s never okay for kids to be mean to other kids because they’re different.  Whether someone looks different, or acts different, or has tastes that deviate from the norm, it’s not acceptable to be mean.  This movie is a call to action about that unacceptable behavior.

CAROLINE:  Sounds like the documentary really is inspiring.



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