The Michael Morones / My Little Pony Bullying Situation

By Nathan Young on February 5, 2014

We keep hearing of stories and stories over bullying. And I must say that bullying is a worldwide epidemic that is getting worse. From adults in the NFL bullying each other to your average kids in your average school, bullying needs to stop, and stop now! More and more kids are being bullied in schools from things ranging from the way they look, their size, the way they speak, the interesting things they do, and the types of things they like watching. While I was in school, I was bullied by many kids from kindergarten all the way through high school. One of the main reasons why I was bullied was because I draw roads, like this drawing below.

While in school, I had kids hit me, try to punch down the bathroom door while I was in the bathroom, call me bad names, make fun of me, and much more. At home, my siblings continued the bullying and it got so bad I had to sit at a dining room table with a video camera trained on me. Since most kids were picking on me and bullying me, my safe refuge was teachers and other adults. I would talk with teachers during a break in class or after school, and yes, some kids made fun of me for that as well. Thankfully, I survived school and graduated, but there are several other kids who can not stand any more bullying by other peers, and they decide to take their own life. And this story makes me sick to my stomach, because I know how it feels.

Michael Morones is 11 years old and goes to school in North Carolina. Michael is a fan of the popular cartoon My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. As you know, My Little Pony has a huge adult fanbase who are called Bronies. The reason why many adults like this cartoon is not because of the ponies and its girl themes. It’s because of the storytelling, animation qualities, moral values, and relatable characters. Michael’s family is supportive of his passion for the show. But sadly, some kids at Michael’s school found this as a way to pick on him.

Michael came home on some days and told his family that he was being picked on in school. The reason, other kids told Michael that My Little Pony was “gay.” The bullying got so bad at school that one day after school, Michael tried to commit suicide by hanging himself. The boy’s mother and stepfather found him in time, but not before the oxygen to his brain was cut off. Michael was rushed to the hospital and now is on a breathing machine and has potentially lifelong brain damage.

From WTVD-TV.

After this story was put out on the local news, the geek/nerd fandom family from My Little Pony and other fandoms, started to come together to raise money and awareness about bullying. It is going to be months before we know the damage and how much healing has occurred. And that means the medical bills is going to be mounting. Right now, there is a Go Fund Me account to raise money for Michael’s medical and other bills. Over $50,000 has been raised and many people have left encouraging comments on the page. Learn more, leave comments, and donate at: http://www.gofundme.com/michaelmoronesfund

Here is another thing Michael is a fan of, music! He started to learn Violin because of Lindsey Stirling. Michael is also learning the harmonica and was reading the New Testament of the Bible. One great interview I have found is from Everfree Network where they interviewed Shannon Suttle (Michael Morones Stepfather). If you have around one hour, you need to hear this interview!

Even the Hub Network released a statement on their social media accounts tonight on this situation.

We are saddened to hear the tragic news about Michael Morones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Discovery Family (@discoveryfamily) February 6, 2014

Thanks to all MLP fans for your support. We're appreciative to be part of a fandom that honors the themes of friendship, love and tolerance.

— Discovery Family (@discoveryfamily) February 6, 2014

I hope Michael Morones recovers from this sad situation. But I wanted to highlight a problem that is getting worse, and that is bullying. Today, bullying is not only happening in schools, it is also happening in the workplace. Remember the Richie Incognito NFL bullying? Today, more kids and adults are finding themselves being bullied from a variety of things. It could be their size, the color of their skin, the way they speak, interesting talents they do, types of TV shows or movies they like, homosexuality, or simply being a geek/nerd. Many geeks and nerds (like me) have experienced bullying at one time while they were in school.

During a Good News Fridays post where I interviewed Jetset Getset and PACER, who are working to end bullying. Even one of the singers on the band was bullied. I wanted to embed this song from Jetset Getset called “Stronger.” The song was made to raise awareness of bullying.

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center unites, engages, and educates communities nationwide to address bullying through creative, relevant, and interactive resources. PACER’s bullying prevention resources are designed to benefit all students, including students with disabilities. Some people think bullying is something that can be prevented by defending yourself, but they are so wrong! Bullying is a complex issue that can be solved quickly, if the parents, school officials, and the bully parents are made aware of the issue. Everyone must work to end bullying for good!

Now I have a request for the folks from Hub Network and Discovery Communications. They read this blog and know about the Michael Morones situation. I would love to see awareness raised about bullying. I would love to see PSA’s created from stars of Hub Network and/or Discovery Communication shows talking about the bullying epidemic. For the Hub Network cartoons like My Little Pony, they could use the voice actors, writers, and animators. The more people that knows about the bullying epidemic, the faster it can stop! I hate seeing stories where another child or adult attempts or completes suicide all because they were bullied.

Geek Alabama has done several posts about bullying, and I will continue to do bullying posts until bullying ends for good. Because bullying is wrong, and no one should suffer because other people does not agree on their views or looks.

Money can be donated at any State Employees Credit Union under the Michael Morones Recovery Fund, Checks can also be mailed to: The Michael Morones Recovery Fund, c/o Team Trivia Inc., 1380 Woodvine Way, Alpharetta GA 30005, or through PayPal at [email protected].

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit stopbullying.gov. You can also visit The Trevor Project or call them at 866-488-7386.