Joe Bell

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We enjoy Mark Wahlberg movies. 

They always seem to carry a positive message in the end and Wahlberg took on a gutsy job with the story of Joe Bell because it is a movie that showed the courage of a man in the face of bullying, and Wahlberg, as a much younger man was arrested for violent, racial attacks.

He’s not the same man and has worked to make amends.

All that being said, it’s a good albeit disturbing story.

Very disturbing.

And without spoiling it for anyone, it addresses anti-bullying in the face of a true story.

The real Joe Bell story took place in 2013.

“Bullying is worse now,” I mentioned as the credits rolled.

“Really? I don’t think so,” Kathy said.

“When is the last time you were online?” I asked. 

The nastiness is present in every single discussion.

Mention the vaccine and inside five minutes someone will call you a ‘moron’ no matter where you stand on it.

For God’s sake, don’t mention a politician by name!

Or even a sports team!

Social media has given everyone a platform and unfortunately many people take out their rage on total strangers.

Day in and day out.

I often simply read the comments. Trying to change someone’s mind is a lot like pissing in the wind…

…but that’s not the worst part…

…there are people who go out of their way to destroy others for their lives, loves, religious beliefs, and way of life.

It’s not joking in a lot of instances.

It’s rage and hate and bullying and nastiness.

The kind of thing that destroyed Joe Bell’s son.

Maybe society was always nasty, but when a kid is bullied until he sees no way out…

…well, that ain’t right.

Be kind.

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