On Friday, a Knoxville, Tennessee mother posted a Facebook video of her son, Keaton, detailing the bullying he has recently endured at his school. Since then, the video has gone viral, and several celebrities have chimed in to offer their support, including Cavs teammates J.R. Smith and LeBron James.
Keaton’s mother, Kimberly, says she came to her son’s school to pick him up at lunch because he was afraid of being harassed by his classmates. In the video, Keaton talks about fellow students making fun of his nose. It sounds like the bullying doesn’t stop there, though. Keaton also says he’s been dowsed with milk and had ham shoved into his clothes.
“Just out of curiosity, why do they bully?” Keaton said in the video post. “What’s the point of it? Why do they find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them? It’s not OK.
“They call me ugly,” Keaton continued. “They say I have no friends.”
“People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault. If you are made fun of, just don’t let it bother you. Just stay strong, I guess.”
https://twitter.com/JamieOGrady/status/939542413722509312
After seeing the video, Smith, a proud father of three daughters, decided to extend Keaton a personal invitation to a Cavs game in Memphis.
LeBron James, also a father of three (two boys and one girl), was quick to offer a response to Keaton’s video. “The King,” as James is known, had a direct message for Keaton’s oppressors, calling them “cowards” and “chumps.”
The Cavs are scheduled to face off against the Grizzlies in Memphis on February 23rd inside FedEx Forum. Hopefully, Keaton and his family will be in attendance.
Simply put, bullying is not acceptable — on any level. All of us have beautifully unique differences. There is no sense in shaming anyone. Learn to accept people for who they are, not who you want them to be. And remember, a negative mind will never lead to a positive life.
