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Mark Wills’ “Don’t Laugh At Me” is a Response to Bullying

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Have you ever experienced bullying? Were you referred to as the fat girl, nerdy guy, teenage mom, loser kid among others? If yes, this song of Mark Wills speaks for you.

Mark Wills Spoke Long Before the Anti-Bullying Campaigns

The song was released in 1998. It was the second track from the album of Mark Wills “Wish You Were Here.” The reflection of bullying was clearly depicted in the music video that won the hearts of its listeners. The song peaked at number 2 on Billboard Country Chart.

mark wills
Photo Credit: Mark Wills’ Official Facebook Page

It started with the character of different people such as the so-called geeks, crippled, tall guy, teenage mom, and a homeless man. “Don’t Laugh at Me” answered all the bullies in school with its lyrics,

Don’t laugh at me, don’t call me names

Don’t get your pleasure from my pain

In God’s eyes, we’re all the same

Someday we’ll all have perfect wings

bullying
Photo Credit: Pixabay

The song identified with a lot of people so much that an organization was founded. The organization aims to promote tolerance and civility programs. In addition, the song was translated into a children’s book that includes an afterword by Yarrow, the founder of the organization.

Anti-Bullying Legislation Has A Horrid History

As retaliation for allegedly being bullied, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris planned to attack their school with the intention to kill for months. On April 20, 1999, the two have carried out their plan; taking 13 lives with 20 more wounded casualties. After the incident, they also took their own lives.

This tragedy shocked the nation and became known as the worst school shooting in U.S. history. A month after the said incident, the anti-bullying legislation was passed by one state and followed by the other states in the nation.

Watch “Don’t Laugh At Me” Official Music Video:

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