This perspective overlooks critical facts about Jose’s situation. His father, Jose Bautista, clearly stated that the bullying Jose endured was directly tied to the stigma of being unhoused. According to his father, Jose was relentlessly harassed: “They were spitting on him, hitting him on the back of the helmet.” These were not random acts of bullying—they were fueled by the stigma and cruelty surrounding his family’s housing situation.
Studies have shown that young people experiencing homelessness face significantly higher rates of bullying, exclusion, and mental health struggles compared to their housed peers. Jose’s tragic story is a reflection of these systemic issues. To reduce his death to a matter of “standing up to bullies” dismisses the deep social and structural factors that contributed to his pain.
It’s not just about bullying in isolation—it’s about the societal stigma that enables and amplifies this type of targeting. We need to hold ourselves accountable for the narratives and actions that perpetuate harm against those who are already vulnerable.
The homelessness didn't cause the bullying. Jose's submission to the bullying caused the suicide. If would have punched the bully in the gut, or kicked him in the shin, his self-esteem would have exploded, and all the kids would have wanted to be his friend.
I don't think Jose took his life because he was homeless. At most it was a contributing factor. I think he took his life because he didn't know how to stand up to bullies. A lot of bullied young people kill themselves. https://open.substack.com/pub/gbray/p/copy-just-say-no?r=1d6qya&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This perspective overlooks critical facts about Jose’s situation. His father, Jose Bautista, clearly stated that the bullying Jose endured was directly tied to the stigma of being unhoused. According to his father, Jose was relentlessly harassed: “They were spitting on him, hitting him on the back of the helmet.” These were not random acts of bullying—they were fueled by the stigma and cruelty surrounding his family’s housing situation.
Studies have shown that young people experiencing homelessness face significantly higher rates of bullying, exclusion, and mental health struggles compared to their housed peers. Jose’s tragic story is a reflection of these systemic issues. To reduce his death to a matter of “standing up to bullies” dismisses the deep social and structural factors that contributed to his pain.
It’s not just about bullying in isolation—it’s about the societal stigma that enables and amplifies this type of targeting. We need to hold ourselves accountable for the narratives and actions that perpetuate harm against those who are already vulnerable.
The homelessness didn't cause the bullying. Jose's submission to the bullying caused the suicide. If would have punched the bully in the gut, or kicked him in the shin, his self-esteem would have exploded, and all the kids would have wanted to be his friend.