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Emma �,ucken RAMS Mr. Johnson Honorable Mention The New Kid The school I attended last year, Brirr�hali Elementary, had students from over 42 countries. No one cared what color skin anyone else had. Everyone was used to being with people from other cultures. But even though there was no racial discrimination, other kinds of discrimination still existed. "We have a new amval to our 6" grade, everyone. This is Harold*." Our teacher stood before the class, an encouraging smile plastered on her face. "How about we go around and say each of our names. Now, Harold, I know you won't remember most of the names, and that's O,K_ We'll repeat them as needed, won't we class."She stressed the last part of her sentence. Only slightly, but enough. Nods and munnurs spread down the aisles. Mmd, the nods were only in fear of being punished. The murmurs showed the children's true feeling on the matter. Being new gives one enough exposure, and thick, dark red hair combined with a chubby, pale face coated with freckles did not help matters for poor Harold. Adding to that, he wore glasses and a shy, puzzled, yet good-natured sort of smile. Heads bobbed together and giggles emerged from them. Quick, menacing glances were thrown the queer boy's way. Names were stated, clear and loud, though they hardly covered the noise of whispers. From the very beginning, things didn't go right for Harold. Throughout his first day he made jokes that no one laughed at. Instead, they sniggered behind his back, saying, "He thinks he's so funny. I mean, come on, who would laugh at his jokes? Maybe his old classmates."They sneered. "His classmates must have been stupid like him.'�The occasional person would say, "It's not h i� fault he's ugly and dumb. I feel bad for him." Which was worse? Being pitied because of looking strange and trying to be funny? Or bullied for the same reason? Things didn't look up for Harold the whole year. If he brushed against anyone in line, they would squeal and rush to wipe their hand on the nearest person, giggling, "Harold germs! No backs! ", or "Rare Butt Disease! No backs!". As soon as someone had 'Harold germs' or 'Rare Butt Disease' they would pass them on to someone else, and the 'Harold germs' and 'Rare Butt Disease' spread around the grade until finally someone gave the 'germs' to the teacher's desk. Harold had a hard time in gym. He was slow, and always last in races. He had difficulty clinging to the climbing ropes. No one wanted to be in a relay team with Harold, for fear he would slow them down. No one wanted to be near Harold. If they were assigned a seat next to him, they groaned. He had an awful time at school. He never showed his misery, though. A smile was on his face at all times. His laughter joined in with others' whenever he was teased. He had amazing bravery. I admire how he came to school, each day, no trace of shame on his face, no sign of hurt in his eyes. He never seemed bothered at all that he was treated differently. I think he was bothered, though. I think Harold was hurt very badly. His old classmates probably didn't laugh at his jokes. He was probably treated the same way he was here. It was awful what was happening to Harold. No one gave him a chance. We all judged him before we knew him. We said to ourselves, 'Wow, here's a boy who doesn't know which way's up. He's chubby, and look at his hair! No one's going to catch me being nice to him!' No one tried to help Harold, either. Not one person stood up for