The Bully Factor: Patrick McKay
By: Simon 11 year-old Patrick McKay is one of the youngest black belts in the US. Thankfully, he's using his powers for good instead of evil; he's taking on the bullies of America. Patrick's anti-bullying video, The Bully Factor, has some pretty big fans, including a couple of presidents. Simon sits down to chat with this all-star kid.
Simon: What inspired you to make The Bully Factor?
Patrick: Seeing bullies at the skating rink and at school and everything.
Simon: So then you decided to make the video?
Patrick: My original idea wasn't the video, it was to go around teaching kids in person - doing seminars. While I was at one seminar, a videographer approached us and asked us if we would like to make a video - to put this on tape. I thought "sure," cuz I'm still in school and everything so I can't travel to other places.
Simon: How long did it take you to make the video?
Patrick: It took a little bit over a year to film. The video is about 26 minutes long.
Simon: Have you had a lot of positive feedback?
Patrick: The video is still pretty new, but my principal has shown it to some of the sixth graders at my school and they thought it was awesome. I got some really good feedback from them.
Simon: What do you think your video offers that other anti-bullying videos might not?
Patrick: Mine focuses on more than just the physical side of bullying. It talks about name-calling and how to get away from that. And it's from a kid's point of view.
Simon: I hear your video has been recognized by President and Mrs. Bush. How cool is that?
Patrick: Yeah, from both the current President Bush and the former President Bush. It's cool.
Simon: Why do you think that kids bully each other?
Patrick: I think that kids get bullied cuz they're different and the bullies don't understand them. They don't understand their style or they don't like their color or religion or something.
Simon: What's the next step?
Patrick: We're getting ready to shoot another video - an anti-abduction video.
Simon: So you're also a martial arts instructor, what do you like about teaching?
Patrick: I like teaching kids to be safe. It's really fun.
Simon: If you could offer advice to a kid who's being bullied right now, what would you say to them?
Patrick: I would tell them to tell somebody. Be loud, draw attention to yourself.
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