There are endless accounts about how innocent kids are bullied at school. Most of these bullies, however, are blameless. They are only children themselves, and have only adapted these ideas and attitudes from others around them.
Even though not all bullies are necessarily children, adults most often have to step in and protect their little loved ones from those with ill intentions. One heartwarming story tells of a mother who defended his son from cyber bullies who called him "ugly."
Likewise, in this story below, protective big brother Joseph Flinders recently went on Facebook to defend his little sister, who had been insulted by a narrow-minded bully at school. He spoke to BuzzFeed News about the action he took.
Flinders initially penned the letter in a state of anger, but ended up teaching all of us about understanding all sides of the situation, and about coming out of incidents like these stronger than before.
Scroll further to read this young man's touching letter, and let us know your thoughts about it in the comments below!
Joseph Flinders, 21, is a radio producer in Manchester, England. He is also proudly and openly gay.
Recently, his 11-year-old sister, Lola, was verbally attacked by a bully at school. The boy had told her that it was "disgusting" that she had a gay brother.
In response, Flinders took to Facebook to post an open letter, which is shown below.
It reads:
“An open letter to the odious little toad who gave my baby sister a hard time for having a gay big brother. I just wanted to give an example of what a decent upbringing looks like. This is a photo I took of us at the gay pride parade [below], which she asked to attend with me. I think that’s pretty cool of an eleven year old, don’t you?
I’ve never known such an accepting, compassionate, loving child and I don’t want your hate-filled existence making her any less than she is.
I’m not confrontational but this is a nerve I wouldn’t touch if I were you. Thankfully, you’re a dying breed and I imagine this is the last generation that’ll have to endure narrow-minded tools.
I think she’s pretty great and she’s prouder than ever to tell people her brother is gay. So enjoy spreading hate to nobody that gives a toss.“
This is the photo Joseph included in his Facebook post.
At first, Lola brushed off the bully's insult, and told him, "It's got nothing to do with you, just leave me alone." But Flinders could tell that she was shaken and confused by the incident. But after posting the note on Facebook, Flinders and his sister have received warm support from many commenters.
One of the most special commenters was Flinders' own mother, Debra Brown. "I am so proud of you as my son and as a really lovely, hardworking, intelligent and extremely funny bloke," she wrote on Facebook. "I am equally proud of my little Lola, who is the sweetest and sassiest girl I know."
And surely, she is also mature well beyond her years, her brother would say. A few weeks ago, Lola asked to attend the Manchester Pride parade together with Flinders, and they had a fantastic time.
As the only male figure in Lola's life, Flinders is determined to set a good example. Trying to do so, he says, has made him become a much better person.
Flinders left an incredible sentiment for his sister to remember. "Sometimes you have to pick your arguments because no matter how hard you try, sometimes you can't force them to think in a bigger way, if they're quite narrow minded. As long as you know w
And he's right. There will always be shallow-minded, mean-spirited people out there. The important thing is to stand tall, and to be confident and happy about what you believe in.
Please SHARE if you agree with this attitude, and if you think Flinders did the right thing by posting the letter!
