Tempest Smith [Mere Tolerance Isn't Enough] - Sticks & Stones: Aly & Aj

Sticks and Stones By Aly and Aj.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THIS SONG! NOR AM I CLAIMING I DO! NOR DO I OWN THE PICS USED IN THIS! IT IS PURELY FAN MADE!
In February 2001, Tempest Kayne Smith, at the age of twelve years old, committed suicide due to bullying and persecution. The behavior she was subjected to began when she was in the second grade and increased with intensity until Tempest could no longer dispel the torment through nonviolent reaction. She left written words indicating her decision. Tempest Smith was continually harassed by her classmates, including bombardment with Christian hymns to ridicule her Wiccan beliefs. Tempest Smith hung herself on February 20, 2001, with her own leopard-print scarf.
In September 2002, after more than a year of meditation and inner contemplation, Tempests mother Denessa Smith, stepped out into the community with a mission and a message. In January 2003, the Tempest Smith Foundation legally began. The debut of TSF was at the Tempest Smith Memorial Ritual held at ConVocation. The ritual was performed by several prominent figures of the pagan community to honor Tempest, ensuring that her convictions would not go unnoticed.
Every religion has been presecuted for their beliefs, but does that make it right? Tolerance is not enough, we must learn to respect and learn about others and their beliefs. These actions CAN NOT go without notice. If you feel embarrassed that people of your religion have done something like this then GOOD! Feel embarassed BUT don't let it keep happening, STOP IT from continuing!
As one wise person said "Evil can only truly win if the good does nothing to stop it." We are all letting evil win if we do nothing to stop it...
Thousands of people from all over the globe have pledged themselves to being part of the resolution against intolerance. By reading this, you, too, have become a part of the bigger picture — a grand portrait of tolerance, where you can be you and Tempest is free.

Figured If every who fights on here about others/their own religion best think of her. She died because people did not accept her for who she is and what she believed in. If we don't respect each other how can we expect people to like our religions or to get along. What does it say about our religions when we fight? No one is right or wrong with their beliefs since religion can not be proven right or wrong which is why it's called FAITH! If you are confindent your god[ess] exists then okay, fine cool. But does that mean you need to go to someone and say theirs doesn't exist? What right do you have doing that?
As much I as really don't care for aly and aj, this song really speaks volumes.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Magic
• Wiccan
• Wicca
• Tempest
• Smith

[jennykadkins]

I went to junior high school with Tempest. I believe her mother passed away 4 years ago or so now, complications from surgery. I don't think Denessa knew how bad the teasing had gotten, for starters. I don't think she understood how depressed Tempest was. And I think it was a matter of principle - trying to go through the higher-ups to have the problem remedied, rather than pushing Tempest into a new school.

[XbutterXbeckyX]

@jennykadkins I'm sorry to hear about that. I don't think she knew either. I can't say for certain since I never met her but I can only assume she didn't. As well as I don't think its right that a student should have to leave a school because of others, the solution to this epidemic should be to end it, not ship victims around.

[Raevynschylde]

Becky, thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting this together. I'd like to put this on my YouTube channel, because this strikes so close to home for me. I went through this kind of harassment in college, but thankfully it was stopped from getting worse. Unless you have experienced bullying firsthand, you will never know how truly shattering it is for someone. I am pagan as well.

[XbutterXbeckyX]

@Raevynschylde being bullied and harrassed is really difficult. :/ its worse when people expect you to be 100% okay after it ends...but really..the scars never fully heal. It still hurts but you learn to live with it. And i think its cool you want to put this video on your youtube channel.

[Aurokya]

This is so sad. :( But i dont get it..Why didn't she just change schools?

[XbutterXbeckyX]

when you're being bullied and are really depressed, you don't think of changing schools. Also, what if she thought she'd be treated the same?

[misstwib]

RIP Tempest, you're still in many peoples hearts and minds, and I still remember coming to the school after that day and hearing about what happened. :( It wasn't even long after I met you and I wish I had known what was going on in your life so that I could have helped you. I miss you.

[Tasha0011000]

She was a very good person and there was no reason for the teasing she went through. When it was announced in my school, I was very upset.. and all I heard around me were people making fun of her for killing herself!! People are very cruel.. but one thing this taught me, I never teased anyone and I always befriended anyone who was being teased. I miss you Tempest!

[Tasha0011000]

Tempest was my good friend in elementary. She was one grade higher than me so when she passed during her first year of middle school I was in my last year of elementary and we werent as close at that time. That's my biggest regret. Well one of them anyway. But I want everyone to know, this is not Tempests full story. She wasn't just teased because she was Wiccan. She didn't become Wiccan until middle school and she was teased all through elementary.

[xxlettice97xx]

@ redmusic99 : oh , what's that.?

[redmusic99]

@xxlettice97xx she was wiccan

[xxlettice97xx]

What religion is that .? (what's the name .?)

[scarywinkoproductios]

@Aurokya

changing schools dosen't always help :(