We’d like to think that most kids are naturally “kind,” but we know bullying is a problem in our society. We found two gals who identified this problem, but did not accept that bullying was the “common ground” for girls’ relationships. They went out in search of examples of kindness and mutual respect, and are holding these actions up as the solution to “normal” girl-on-girl bullying. Here’s what a couple of pro-active KID-O’s with cameras can do…
Filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, two Pepperdine University students, interviewed women and girls across America about their lives and experiences. They also spoke to educators and experts and found some universal truths about growing up as girls. Their journey resulted in the documentary “Finding Kind.”
The movie delves into the issue of insidious girl-on-girl bullying. As a former, “popular girl” whose friends turned on her in middle school, Parsekian had a very personal reason for making the film. She says, “the hardest time was middle school. It’s a funny thing to think about, because ten years later, I can still vivdly recall every terrible memory from that time of my life.” For her part, Thompson was left out by a group of girls in high school and hopes the film will make a difference. “Being ostracized,criticized or ridiculed should not be considered a rite of passage, and it doesn’t have to be this way,” she explains.
The anti-bullying message of their film has carried over into their Kind Campaign, which encourages girls be kind to each other. The intent of the campaign is not to point fingers, but to encourage empathy and to make a change, “by spreading kindness, compassion and understanding.” Women share stories on their website, and can take a stand against girl on girl bullying, by helping each other to recognize bad behavior and change our “habits.”
We applaud these Kid-O’s for “Finding Kind” and spreading this important message. To host a screening of “Finding Kind” in your local school, or to find a screening near you, click here.
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