Rat tales, rat tails
There is another definition for a rat too. According to the dictionary a rat is "one who betrays or deserts a friend". When it comes to bullying, you hear things said to the bullied by the bully like "you better not rat on me, or don't go to a teacher or adult and be a rat."
Most times, maybe 99% of the time, the bully is not being a friend anyway. For sure a true friend would not bully someone else. A friend builds a person up, not tears them down. A friend protects, not destroys or damages. So, if you are being bullied you are not being a rat if you tell someone who can help the bullying to stop.
I have been reading Jay McGraw's book, "Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies". He discusses this issue with clarity when he says, "Tattling is usually done to make trouble for another person. If your reporting someones behaviour just to get them in trouble, your probably tattling. However, if you are letting an adult know about a situation that, if not handled, could lead to trouble or danger, then your doing the right things in opening your mouth."
Here's the deal. If you are being harassed and bullied let someone know. If you feel in danger or trouble let someone know. You do not have to face the bully on your own. It doesn't mean you are weak, it means that you are strong. True strength is reaching out to someone who can help you, when you need help.
I kind of like rats. The ones that are not too destructive. I am not a big fan of the ones roaming through garbage.
When it comes to teens I am a big fan of them. I am not a big fan of the ones that want to treat others like they are garbage. I want to help them to realize that all people have value and no one should be mistreated. Not even you.
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