My topic is “The relationship between bullying and suicide”.
In part one, students will reflect upon their
historical and current exposure to violence. Students
will consider the impact that culture,
underlying assumptions, and media may have on
understanding their attitudes about
violence. Using the examples of Abuse
& Violence Across
the Lifespan (below), students will write a 4–5-page
reflection paper examining the following
concepts:
1. Personal History
For each type of abuse or violence listed above,
briefly describe the abuse or violence
you have experienced noting the age when
occurred, identify role(s) (victim, witness
known to victim, and/or perpetrator of
violence), dosage (including frequency and
severity), and proximity (how close were you to
violence/abuse).
2. Assumptions & Culture
– In what ways has your culture, social setting,
ethnicity, race, socioeconomic class, or
upbringing affected your beliefs about the
origins or expressions of aggression /
violence?
– Can you identify any assumptions you may have
about aggression / violence? If so,
what are the norms and beliefs in your
background that have influenced these
assumptions?
– In thinking through this assignment, did you
have any particular insights that surprised
you?
3. Consumption & Social Norms Towards
Violence
-What is your consumption of violence from TV,
movies, social media, video games,
music, books, direct observation (home, school,
community) – note frequency and dose
(severity).
-How might media and technology influence your
views about violence?
– Describe your attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors which exhibit acceptance, appreciation,
enjoyment of violence.
4
4. Plan for Self-Care
Learning about abuse and violence may be
triggering. Delineate several tactics of self-
care you will use to reduce or manage the
negative effects from engaging with this
content. Please refer to the University of
Buffalo School of Social Work website
(http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/developing-your-self-care-
plan.html) to identify resources to develop a
personal self-care plan.
