Dad writes incredible post after son is bullied because of his hair
As parents, it is hard to witness our children being victimised or picked on; we want nothing more than to pull them towards us and keep them safe from all the negativity out there, but we can't.
However, we CAN stand up for them when they are down, and call out those who are bullying our young people, which is why we were delighted to read this Australian dad's inspirational post, calling for an end to it once and for all.
Dr Andrew Rochford took to Instagram recently after his 10-year-old son, Archie, told him that he was being called a "ranga" due to his red hair.
And while we're not sure what it actually means, the fact that it enraged this father so much we can only imagine it is not positive.
Describing his child "as the most beautiful boy you could ever meet", Dr. Rochford posted on the social media page: "I have tried to teach him the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated."
"It's a simple idea, and I could never have expected him to care so much about those words.
"If you fall, he will pick you up.
"If you're sad, he will try to make you smile.
"If you cry, he will hold your hand.
"And as I write this, I cry."
The father went on to explain how Archie told him he was being targeted for his red hair.
"He didn't choose his hair…. he can't change his hair….and he should not have too," the dad continued.
"The first time he told me he was being bullied because of his hair I encouraged him to 'be strong buddy, you're amazing', and they are just going for the 'easy target'….
"But when he comes to me and says he's being called a 'fucking ranga'; TARGETED for something he cannot change, I am broken…completely broken.
"He is brave and strong and a far better person than most, and he tells me ' don't worry Dad, I'm fine'. But I'm not ..not at all….I'm sick of the hypocrisy and intolerance."
Admitting that he is done, Andrew called out those who think it is funny to discriminate or bully others.
Using words like "shallow" and "ignorant", he urged "narrow-minded bigots" to take a long hard look at themselves.
"If you perpetuate victimisation in your house, or your workplace or on a stage or the radio or television….YOU are the problem…YOU! The boys that are picking on my son, weren't born to be so mean, they have learned from you," he wrote.
"And to all the gangly kids, the kids with big ears, the ones born in different countries, or with different coloured skin, a different way of speaking, or different ANYTHING that you can't change..I am here for you…100 percent.
"I will fight for you, just as I will fight for Archie….because ALL of this has to end."