Mets' Alonso stands up against online bullying
In a recently published “Shred Hate, Choose Kindness” public service announcement, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso took a swing at online bullying.
Needless to say, the 2019 T-Mobile Home Run Derby champion did not miss.
Standing alongside five-time X Games medalist Gus Kenworthy, Alonso filmed the moving PSA, which will run on DoSomething.org and YouTube.com, as well across ESPN and MLB media channels, through Sept. 15.
The takeaway from Alonso and Kenworthy is simple: Online bullies target anyone they believe to be vulnerable, even professional athletes. But good can prevail over bad if people band together to flag hateful comments.
“Cyberbullying is a prevalent problem in our society that needs to be addressed head-on,” said Alonso. “I’m proud to be a part of the Shred Hate campaign and movement, as well as join a variety of groups to help eliminate this negativity in our communities.”
For the roughly 60 percent of young people who encounter online bullying, Alonso’s message is powerful. They are not alone, and a concerted effort can help ensure that social media is used to build, not tear down, a sense of community.
During the campaign period, DoSomething.org will hand out multiple prizes to those fighting for a safer, kinder internet. Leading off, an eligible participant will earn a trip to Los Angeles to be an extra in a Lukas James music video. In addition, a $5,000 scholarship will also be granted. In both cases, the recipient will have run into a case of online bullying, reported the infraction to the social-media platform’s moderators, and uploaded a screenshot of the successful report to DoSomething.org. Participants should not memorialize the hateful post itself, only the confirmation of receipt from the social platform -- whether it be Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
While the winners are still to be determined, it’s already clear that with Alonso and Kenworthy on its team, DoSomething.org is poised to make a difference.
“MLB is thrilled to work with our partners at ESPN to link the Shred Hate effort with DoSomething.org in an effort to create an opportunity for our nation’s youth to educate themselves and act against this online epidemic,” said Billy Bean, Vice President & Special Assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred.
“We also are incredibly grateful to Pete Alonso and Gus Kenworthy for sharing their considerable voices in such an influential way.”
While comments such as “I hate you” or “You’re a loser” are far too common on the web, according to Alonso, the Shred Hate program is equipped to make an impact.
“Join one of the largest anti-cyberbullying campaigns ever,” said Alonso during the 60-second call to action.
An All-Star both on and off the field, the 24-year-old certainly hit this message out of the park. And those who join him and the countless others in the fight against online trolls will leave an equally positive mark on society.