Bullying is an international phenomenon prevalent in one form or the other everywhere. It is often observed though this behaviour is not limited to Schools but more often than not that is where it begins. The Hangover star Ken Jeong’s upcoming film 'The DUFF' also deals with culture of bullying prevalent in American schools. DUFF stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend and is only one of the many ‘tools’ that are rampantly used by the ‘Popular kids’ to create a social pecking order.
Most of the caste members were drawn to the script also because there are glimpses of everyone’s past in this film. The Duff can be anyone’s story and in all probability most people’s story. Ari Sandel, the director noted a common reaction among most of the cast when they read the script. “It ranged from ‘I was a DUFF’ to ‘Was I a DUFF’. The film was like a revelation for most people and realigned who they thought they were in school.
Ken admitted that he was a victim of bullying himself, growing up. He said, “High School is a tough place and studies don’t have much to do with making it so. At times it seemed like I was not fitting in but the problem lies in the fact that you don’t know where to fit in. I was bullied time and again in school but they could not break my spirit. I think my comic expression also came out in part as a response to the suppression and my refusal to accept being told where I ‘Belong’.”
While the bullying by character might be the same the platforms have changed. 'The DUFF' also explores the growing culture of cyber bullying. Personal attacks now happen via social media platforms and what hits the virtual world stays there forever.
“Well it was still better in our times. If someone was getting bullied it is probably happing in a corner somewhere in a hallway. Only a few people knew or at the least witnessed it. It’s very different now with Facebook, Twitter & Instagram hitting the scene. The concept is moved on from just bullying to absolutely ruin someone’s ‘reputation’ in every way possible. If you are bullied in school it sure does not mean that it is going to stay in school.”
Releasing on 12th June , 'The DUFF' is a light and humorous take on a very serious issue of bullying.
