Beyoncé and Bullying: Why It Needs to Stop Now

When Beyoncé released her Lemonade short film a few weeks ago, the world went berserk. The internet was awash with praise for the singer’s artistry and storytelling. However, things took a turn for the worse when the infamous “Becky with good hair” lyric sparked immediate attacks on several celebrities. Beyoncé’s fans, known as the “BeyHive,” assumed other high-profile women were the proverbial “Becky,” sparking a rift between Beyoncé and her husband. This bullying incident is just one of many recent high-profile cases that have shaken the world.

Bullying, whether in person or online, is never okay. It causes immense emotional damage and can lead to serious health issues or worse, suicide. Unfortunately, bullying has become an all-too-common problem that affects people of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds. The rise of social media and anonymity has facilitated bullying, making it easier than ever for people to target others without consequences.

As society becomes more aware of the harmful effects of bullying, the need for intervention and accountability is pressing. Beyoncé, as one of the most influential people on the planet, has the power to raise awareness and combat extreme bullying. But, she is not the only one with a responsibility. Everyone, from celebrities to ordinary people, has an obligation to work together to stop bullying in its tracks.

Here are 21 ways to combat bullying:

1. Speak up

If you see something, say something. Not speaking is not an excuse. There are entirely too many anonymous avenues available in workplaces, schools, and universities to allow bullying to continue.

2. Don’t share social media depicting bullying.

We have a real problem with glorifying violence. Don’t fuel the fire by sharing it.

3. If you do share, give ways to stop it.

Facebook and Twitter both have functions to report abusive material. Use it. If enough people report abusive posts, these companies will have no choice but to act.

4. Write more letters to leaders.

Everyone has someone to answer to, and it’s essential to make sure that everyone knows that bullying is not ok.

5. You’re not entitled to your own opinion.

While legally you are allowed to have an opinion, it could cost you your job or livelihood. You’re entitled to your opinion, not a job. Learn to shut it up and keep things to yourself.

6. Learn empathy.

Words do hurt. Take yourself out of your bubble and try to understand words that don’t affect you could wreck havoc on someone else.

7. Recall some of your misfortune.

Before you start teasing the new coworker, simply recall how ridiculously clueless you were starting out on a new job. Yeah, doesn’t feel good, does it?

8. Humble yourself.

Not everything requires to be pointed to and laughed at simply because everyone else is laughing. Someone who was a great friend may have turned into a real jerk. Humble yourself and do not fall into that category.

9. Pull out your cell phone and share it — with law enforcement

If you’re going to use social media to call out bullying, make sure the local law enforcement officials know, especially if it’s a serious crime taking place.

10. Stop giving excuses for kids.

Stop saying kids will be kids and other lame excuses. It could cost you a ton of money!

11. Don’t be scared to be an iron-fist parent.

Sometimes a little tough love is all it takes to get bullying children to realize their behavior will not be tolerated.

12. Stand up for yourself.

You have a right not to be physically or verbally antagonized.

13. Know when to get authorities involved.

Be able to distinguish horseplay from nefarious play. And if you’re not 100% sure, get them involved anyway and let them make the determination.

14. Use your platform.

Are you so proud of your thousands of Instagram and Twitter followers? Use your own platform to reach thousands of people in your own network when promoting anti-bullying.

15. Encourage celebrities to use their platform.

Many celebrities, like Lady Gaga, have spoken up about bullying. In fact, she started an anti-bullying foundation. Unfortunately, her message needs to be heard throughout all of Tinseltown a little louder.

16. Know your harassment laws in the workplace.

Get familiar with workplace harassment laws just in case. You never know when you’ll have to call legal counsel to get your point across that you will not be bullied at work.

17. Please. Please. Please don’t be scared to talk to someone.

Many of the poor souls who’ve taken their lives over bullying tend to have one thing in common: the lack of support.

18. Join anonymous groups — even if you’re not being bullied.

It makes even more sense to take a peek every now and then into forums if you’re a parent of a bullied child or someone you love’s being bullied.

19. Encourage stricter laws for bullying around the world.

Hitting people where it hurts the most (their wallet) gives them no choice but to MAKE change happen or face some serious legal ramifications.

20. Don’t feed the trolls.

Many bullies are simply crying for attention. Don’t give it to them. Let them bask in their own misery alone.

21. Stop sitting idle.

Going to town hall meetings, speaking out about the deaths of numerous young people to administrations that are often left shrugging their shoulders, going to the media, or even campaigning – not one person can stop bullying by themselves.

Beyoncé’s fans may have taken their passion for her music too far, but their behavior is no different from the millions of others around the world who use anonymity to bully others into submission. Everyone has the power to make a positive difference in the world. By being aware of the problem and taking action against it, we can all contribute to a better and safer world for ourselves and future generations.