THE THEFT OF DIGNITY
Ameliorating Teen Bullying
One Presentation at a Time
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Presented by author Dennis Wise, The Theft of Dignity is an engaging in-person or Zoom presentation that raises awareness among teens about the impact of peer bullying.
Dennis draws on examples from popular culture—including movies, TV shows, and novels, such as his own book, On Your Side. The goal is to connect with teens in a meaningful way, helping them understand the effects of bullying and encouraging a more respectful environment.
In addition to the teen-focused presentation, Dennis also offers a community-based version of The Theft of Dignity. This version is open to audiences of all ages and is especially useful to parents of bullied teenagers. In this version, community members gain a deeper understanding of the challenges teens face with peer bullying in their everyday lives, and they are provided with practical tools to foster positive change.
"Dennis gave a great presentation on bullying. He provided real life experiences in his power-point presentation. He engaged with the attendees and was able to connect with the audience."
— Kerry Remington, Rutland Public Library Director
ON YOUR SIDE
ON YOUR SIDE
An anti-bullying novel about Carlton, a 15-year-old, who after the death of his mother goes to live with his uncle Ricky. The two seem to have nothing in common. Carlton is an unathletic computer geek who wants to go through life unnoticed. And Ricky, a recently retired hockey mega-star who desperately wants to find a way back into the limelight.
When Carlton starts at the prestigious Delis School, he becomes prey to the school’s bullies. Ricky wants his nephew to transfer to a new school. However, Carlton won’t leave. He has met Emily, a free-spirited Goth student that he has fallen for, and like him, she too is bullied by the other students. To Carlton, being with her is more important than anything the bullies can dish out.
HOW ON YOUR SIDE SPEAKS TO TEENS FACING PEER BULLYING
BULLYING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE: Like many students who are loners at school, the protagonist, Carlton, and his girlfriend, Emily, are brutally bullied by other students. However, On Your Side goes even further. When Carlton’s uncle Ricky, a former megastar hockey player, takes a sports commentator job, he is repeatedly humiliated on live TV by his colleagues. The take-home message is unmistakable: if even someone like Ricky isn’t immune to being bullied, then truly anyone can fall victim.
SPEAK UP: After the incompetence of one school official, Carlton believes that the school as a whole wouldn’t do anything to prevent the abuse he is undergoing. This belief almost costs him his life. However, when the dean discovers what is happening in his school, he takes the appropriate steps to handle the problem. It is of the utmost importance that teens learn that being bullied is serious and they should never be silent about it.
YOU’RE NOT A COWARD: At the end of the book, Carlton has an epiphany, where he finally realizes that he’s not the coward he had convinced himself he was—he’s simply a non-violent person seeking a non-violent solution. The book is demonstrating that matching violence or stooping to any of the other tactics their oppressors use against them is unnecessary and counterproductive.
“We read to discover that we are not alone,” - William Nicholson, Shadowlands. Knowing we are not alone in our struggles is an enormous part of reading. The aim of On Your Side is to let bullied teens know they’re not alone and that there are ways to overcome the challenges they face.
PRAISE FOR ON YOUR SIDE
“Wise masterfully blends young love, student conflict, and family drama in this novel.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“On Your Side masterfully portrays Carlton’s struggle against adversity at his new prep school. Facing challenges from every corner, he finds strength in unexpected friendships and personal resilience. A compelling narrative of courage. It truly was an unforgettable read.”
—Vicky Van Fradenburgh, Book Blogger
"On Your Side tackles bullying with powerful, non-violent solutions. A must-read for young adults."
—Josephine Sorrell, Librarian & Book Reviewer
“This had everything that I was looking for from a young adult novel, the characters felt like realistic people, and I enjoyed the way they worked in the plot. Dennis Wise has a great writing style.”
—Kathryn McLeer, Reviewer (Netgalley ★★★★★)
“I absolutely love how this book raises awareness on bullying. As someone who had dealt with it myself, I can relate so much, and I think this book will help many.”
—Jill Speedman, Reviewer (Netgalley ★★★★★)
About
DENNIS WISE (he/him) is a dedicated advocate against teen bullying, a commitment that inspired him to write On Your Side and develop The Theft of Dignity presentation. With nearly two decades of experience working in television and film as a Screen Actors Guild actor, Dennis brings his performance expertise to his presentations, making them both engaging and impactful. He holds a BA from Harvard University, where his dedication to social justice first began and has only grown throughout his career.
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