Cafeteria

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Views: 83,505
Related Values: Friendship Courtesy Sharing

About This Video

The idea for "Cafeteria" was actually developed during the making of "Locker." In preparation for shooting "Locker," the director talked with some of the spot's young actors. The young women said that they also had experienced bullying, but unlike with boys, who tend to be more physically aggressive, girls are more verbally aggressive. The staff and directors learned from recent research, as well as talking to young people, that often a person doesn't need a "reason" to be targeted by bullies - it seems that simply being new is "reason" enough!

Video Transcript

MUSIC: “Every day is so wonderful. Then suddenly, it's hard to breathe…
MUSIC: “Now and then, I get insecure…
MUSIC: “From all the pain, I'm so ashamed… NEW GIRL: Would it be OK if I sat here?
MUSIC: “I am beautiful. No matter what they say…
MUSIC: “Words can't bring me down…  POPULAR GIRL #1: Is she serious?
POPULAR GIRL #2: Whatever!
POPULAR GIRL #3: New girl!
MUSIC: “I am beautiful…
MUSIC: “In every single way. Words can't bring me down, oh no… ANNCR: Reaching out…Pass it on. A Message from The Foundation for a Better Life
MUSIC: “Don’t you bring me down today.”
SUPER: The Foundation for a Better Life

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0	Mariecris Nobello about 1 month ago from Elk Grove, California Totally reminds me of me at my other school. Now I gotta deal with being the new girl. ):
1	Sarah K about 1 month ago from Colorado I'd love for my school to show these during homeroom...it would hit home a lot harder.
2	Meli Beli about 1 month ago from Bogotá This video has a powerful message. I show it in my Elementary classes and have the kids blog about the video. It left the kids thinking.
3	Kim T. about 1 month ago from Cumberland,MD I think this one should be next to go on. It goes with the new stuff about bullying.
4	Rachel Boettcher about 1 month ago from Arizona I've been the new kid once before, but after this year I'll be the new kid again. I don't want be treated like that when I go to my new school. I want some friends.
5	REGINA 3 months ago from NORTH CAROLINA I remeber I use to be a bully. Then once I got in middle and highschool the tables turned. I know how it feels. So I am thankful for this commercial. Bullying is wrong. There used to be a girl at my school who was quiet and I mean quiet because from here previous schools people use to pick on her. But there was something special about her. I wanted to be her friend. We are still friends today. but anyways I'm in college. Now I look back on how I used to bully people and I feel so stupid for doing that. I don't know why I did that. My older sisters raised me when i was younger because my mom couldnt (she had a drug probem) and taught me that is was ok to bully, but I can't even use that for an excuse because I could of been the one to stop it. and for everyone out there that I made feel bad Im sorry! please forgive me!
6	leria 3 months ago from omaha I know how being new in a school can be.It hard for a while but you do get used to it.
7	Sarah G 4 months ago from Albany, New York I see this all the time at my school. There's an autistic boy in my grade, and even though kids say hi to him in class, there are too many days that no one sits with him. If everyone in my 8th grade class saw this TV spot, then Campbell would never sit alone again!
8	Jackie E 5 months ago from Mission, tx All your video clips are lovely i wish comercials were all like this cause they are so inspirational to all ages. Thanks for all this
9	Karen 7 months ago from California I'm 9 years. Help out if you can, And if a new person comes, sit with them, and do not let them feel very lonely. This clip was more than awesome1 Once I went to a new school, and an unfriendly girl said," Go Away, new girl, I can't believe you have the nerve to sit with us popular girls". But then, a kind friend named Anna said," Come sit with us! What's your name? I'm Anna."
10	Thomas 9 months ago from Texas I'm eight years old and I liked the video. It was respectful and reaching out was a nice thing to do.
11	bourneblogger 9 months ago from Dallas, TX Don't let bullies get you down. It's actually a good thing they're showing their true colors so you know to stay away from them. Focus on school and in 10 years you'll be in a much better situation than most bullies wind up. Stay strong and support each other!
12	Cathy 11 months ago from Nanchang,China I like all the TV spots here, it's so extraordinary, plain but powerful, thank you for making such great videos for us. All these videos have taught me a lesson and your ideas are great and I hope more people will see it and spread it, good ideas worth spreading.
13	Kerri 12 months ago from Ohio This was my life in high school, I was the girl no one wanted to sit with at lunch.
14	Jackie Linger about 1 year ago from New York I love this! I'm a teenager and in school kids bully so much and nobody does anything!!! My principal doesn't! I think this is so inspiring and if everyone was like this think of the world we would have.
15	Cody H. about 1 year ago from Erie, Colorado, United States of America This video sets a great example of life today. If I were ever to see this happen, I would do the same thing the girl did in the end, Also, great video. :)
16	Filipe de Lima Reis about 1 year ago from Recife, Brazil This is one of the best commercials I've ever seen in my life. It talks directly to my heart, very deep inside. I was a victim of bullying. I cry everytime I watch it.
17	Lynda over 1 year ago from Vallejo Ca It works when you are an adult also. New jobs, new cities etc... Life's lessons...pass it on
18	Melissa M over 1 year ago from Cedarburg, WI These TV spots are the most amazing ideas I have ever seen. They're so simple, yet so meaningful. I hope that people are as affected as I am by the beauty of these messages. Thank you for taking the time to show people how little things make a huge difference in people's lives.
19	Will, G over 1 year ago from Rosebud, SD We really adopted the Anti-Bullying campaign in our School District located on the Rosebud Reservation. All of these videos really help us with the virtues we are teaching our youth. Thank you for everything you offer.
20	Rachel.B over 1 year ago from England This is kinda how it is at my school when I first went there.. I was the new girl and I would've given anything for someone to have done that.. now seeing this I'm reminded to do it myself when there is a new girl.
21	Erricka B. over 1 year ago from Troy, OH That was very nice of the girl to go sit with the new girl. If that was me, I would go sit with her, too.
22	Hulio M over 1 year ago from The bronx This is a really well made video.
23	Michelle R over 1 year ago from California I absolutely adore every TV spot you have and they make TV just a little bit less shallow. I would love to be in one of your future videos, they are all so amazing!
24	Tom almost 2 years ago from Findlay, OH This commercial is really well done. It almost made me cry. I'm a teacher and will be showing this to my fifth grade class. It was really refreshing to see such an inspirational commercial on TV. Thanks.
25	Janet,J. almost 2 years ago from CaptainCook, Hawaii "Cafeteria" is my favorite. The "good girl" who made this, just graduated from Yale U., was recruited for a great job, paid a bonus, and after 2 years, the firm will pay her way, all expenses, through law school if she wishes. She reaches out to everyone with love in real life, lives good qualities, and it has lifted her life wherever she goes. Kindness is her thing. Values count.
26	Barbara F. almost 2 years ago from Dalton, GA I try to see every one of these T.V. spots. What a world this would be if all these spots were taken to heart by everyone. I love each one of them but I do have favorites.
27	Rose C. about 2 years ago from Detroit, Michigan Inspiring to say the least. Some times kids don't understand the magnitude of their actions and this commercial speaks volumes. It should be introducted into the schools as part of a "values" and bullying curriculum. Thank you for sharing.
28	Lisa B. about 2 years ago from Batavia, New York Very inspiring commercial! I just wrote a short musical for kids called, "Can't Bully Me Now", that includes an act called "the Cafeteria", similar to this. Visit www.lisabarrettcd.com for the details. I was teased as a child and my nephew is bullied as well. I plan to make a positive difference!
29	Allyson A. over 2 years ago from Frederick, Maryland Cafeteria is my favorite of your commercials. I went through a similar experience while the new girl in middle school. It affected me for many years to come. Unfortunately, like in the TV ad, I didn't have a nice person come and befriend me. I sat alone at lunch almost all year.
30	Scarlett W. over 2 years ago from Los Angels, CA, U.S.A. I saw this commercial on TV two nights ago and I loved it. I showed this commercial to my kids and they loved it too! My kids are in grades one and two and they just started a new school. I hope that when they are in a problem like this that they do the right thing.
31	Quintin W. over 2 years ago from Simpsonville, SC I (age 39) saw this commercial on TV a couple of nights ago, and I was so inspired by it that I recorded it. I told my son (age 14) and my daughter (age 11) on the way to school the next morning that I saw an outstanding commercial and that has become my favorite. However, I wouldn't tell them what it was about, even though they begged me to tell them about it. I told them that I would show it to them when they got home from school that day. When they were at school, I played it to my wife and it brought tears to her eyes. After I picked the kids up from school, my wife and I sat down and finally showed them the commercial and we had a family discussion about it. We made sure that the kids understood that when in the same situation (which they will be at some point) they HAVE to do the right thing by befriending a student who is picked on by others. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS COMMERCIAL - YOU ARE TRULY DOING A GREAT SERVICE!!!
32	Jackie F. over 2 years ago from Bakersfield Mrs.Wells showed us this TV spot and I felt a really good feeling inside my heart.
33	Jim M over 2 years ago from Barrie, ON, Canada These Videos are great!!! I Teach a leadership class to kids aged 7 - 14 and we have started viewing one of these as a discussion point every class! Thank you from me and all our students!
34	Jenna L over 2 years ago from San Diego, CA This touched my heart in so many ways. I've been the new kid and the "weird" kid, and it would have meant so much to me if someone had reached out to me.
35	Mary Rose M. over 2 years ago from North Carolina Oh, wow. This touches one's heart regardless, but when it's a memory - fresh after so many years - of your own personal pain, it's especially poignant. We need more people like the girl in the purple-striped shirt in the world...those who understand the power of a kind deed.
36	TG almost 3 years ago from Germany I can definitely relate to this spot. I have this problem at a church that I attend in Germany. When we get in our prayer circle and hold hands to pray, the children try to avoid holding my hand. What a shame.
37	Cale F. almost 3 years ago from West Virginia Wow, what a powerful message. This ad stirred many emotions of my schooldays. I attended 10 schools; it is not easy being the new kid.
38	Cody B. almost 3 years ago from Union Mills, IN This commercial is what made me come to this amazing site and find out more about FBL. Very well done...I'm in very impressed and now motivated!
39	almost 3 years ago from a disgrace
40	Steve S. almost 3 years ago from Thornton, CO Moving! The commercial offers a great perspective. Thanks for such a revealing 30 seconds!
41	Jonathan about 3 years ago from Irvine, California Thank you for the inspiration. A wonderful clip.
42	Meika about 3 years ago from Manhattan, NY I want to Thank You guys at The Foundation for a Better Life for showing and encouraging people to pass on good values. Your commercials inspire me and I'm sure to inspire others to live a better life. Thanks keep showing them there all my favorite in different ways.
43	Scott C. over 3 years ago from New Castle, Indiana I have definitely been in exactly this same spot many times. It really is miserable to be in that spot, and I had some friends do what the hero in this story does. Beautiful? Very appropriate.
44	Riley, 13 over 3 years ago from Today, I saw someone sitting alone and remembered this. Me and two other people went and sat by this girl. I could tell people were looking but I think it showed the people who ditched her that that wasn't nice. I love this site and want to share this commercial with everyone!
45	James L over 3 years ago from Wausau, Wisconsin I think this is the best spot out there- although the others are inspiring as well. I needed to visit this website because I wanted to watch this video over it was that good. It makes you think that, with what you guys are doing, we can build a "foundation for a better life"! Great work!
46	A.J. over 3 years ago from NJ It seems that simply being the new kid is "reason" enough! I entered a new high school this year and I feared going to lunch for this reason. It happened to me too but luckily, I have two amazing teachers who helped me find some amazing people to sit with.
47	Rebecca H. over 3 years ago from Rigby, Idaho I saw this commercial and I loved it. It really touched my heart. Now when I see someone sitting alone I will go and sit next to them, make a difference. Thank you!
48	Marie S. over 3 years ago from Pueblo, CO My youngest daughter has Autism, and at the age of 14 is seldom understood by her peers, as her developmental state is about two years behind. She goes through this everyday, where she is singled out, and left to herself. I wish that there were more young people who would reach out to those who struggle to make friends daily.
49	Julia G over 3 years ago from New York I have been left out of situations and I would be lying if I said I never did it to someone else. What I think is so important about this spot is that it makes people aware of how this action can hurt someone. Awareness will help teens/adults understand and reach out next time!
50	Luiz Valério T. almost 4 years ago from São Paulo, Brazil Awesome spot and the background song fits perfectly well!!! I've seen it a couple of times on CNN and it has always touched me because we can see it happen more frequently than we'd like to. It does hurt a lot when you're in her shoes and the situation portrayed reminds me of a wonderful book called Established & Outsiders. I've passed it on.
51	Megan H. about 4 years ago from Jakarta this has taught me a lot... and it is very helpful and completely true. Girls are like this... The song "Beautiful" by christina aguilera completely fits the whole situation good job :)
52	Jan about 4 years ago from USA I believe the song is a cover of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful."
53	Giancarlo T. about 4 years ago from Switzerland Hallo, On CNN you have made one beautiful publicity. Thanks!!!
54	Ken P. about 4 years ago from Seymour, Connecticut USA Can someone tell me who sings this song--it's unbelievable it fits so well! Great video!
55	BpRt. about 4 years ago from Lehighton, Pennsylvania USA Knowing first hand how that feels, I so glad that someone is trying to make a difference in this world torn by differences. But it shouldn't just be the ones that have experienced this that benefit from this commercial. It should also be the ones causing it too. I support you all 110%.
56	Cindy R. over 4 years ago from Manila, Philippines I do believe that mutual respect is the key to world peace. I really want to know who sang on this spot, and if I can acquire a copy anywhere? More power to you guys!
57	Cindy R. over 4 years ago from Manila, Philippines I do believe that mutual respect is the key to world peace. I really want to know who sang on this spot, and if I can acquire a copy anywhere? More power to you guys!
58	Maria P. over 4 years ago from North Carolina USA As soon as I saw this spot on TV I just had to come check out this site, and it's awesome. This spot is so touching to me because if I ever saw someone like that in the cafeteria I'd offer them a seat. And I'll be the new girl next year when I go to an all new high school.
59	Raven J. over 4 years ago from Maryland, USA Loved it! This site is so awesome!
60	Barb B. over 4 years ago from New Carlisle, Indiana USA I love this TV spot. It's sooo true. Does anyone know who does the sound track for this spot?
61	R over 4 years ago from Massachusetts, USA This was the first video I saw of FBL, I caught it on HGTV and teared up immediately. For the past 2 days since seeing it I've watched them all on the internet and felt an unstoppable drive to be the best person I can be. Thank You and keep up the good work.
62	Robert C. over 4 years ago from Portland, Oregon USA No words can describe how I feel. These commercials inspire me and provide hope that we can improve our lot in life. One person at a time. Keep up the great work.
63	Cori D. over 4 years ago from Murrieta, CA, USA This is the best commercial that I have ever seen. It touches the part of us that many of us can't remember. Some were the new girl, others were the girls in the group. I have shown my children this commercial and they see what true kindness is about, it is about caring about others, and I told them this is a message for life.
64	Maggie M. over 4 years ago from New York, USA This is such a great video!!
65	T.T. over 4 years ago from I am new to a school this year and i went through the same propblem not to long ago. A girl was mean to me saying that I can't sit with her because I was new and I felt like such a idiot and a diffrent girl asked me if I wanted to sit with them and now those are the girls I sit with all the time!
66	Brittany E. over 4 years ago from California, USA These vidoes inspire me so much! This one in particular, it reminds me of myself. If only more people did it! I get tears in my eyes every time I watch it!
67	Ashley C. over 4 years ago from Houston, Texas USA This one really speaks to me. I will never in my life be this mean to a person! I know how much that can hurt someone.
68	Elaine W. over 4 years ago from Massena, New York USA Breaking out of the lunch room seating arrangement was addressed in class today. This issue is a social hurdle. We need to break free during meetings as well!
69	Steve M. over 4 years ago from Boston, Massachusetts USA I tell my daughters (14, 12 and 10) to "be that girl" every time the spot comes on.
70	Dion A. over 4 years ago from Jakarta, Indonesia Saw it on CNN, i think this a wonderful end touching spot.
71	Swedal almost 5 years ago from Mumbai, India Yeah it's really good....
72	Kelly M. almost 5 years ago from USA I felt terrible when I saw this because I realized how many times I have seen something like this happen. It is easier to be nice than to be mean, and it makes you feel better too.
73	RH almost 5 years ago from Jakarta, Indonesia I saw this ad on CNN and had to go to your site. This piece holds particular resonance for me, an Asian who has to move around the world a fair amount. I have found myself on both sides of this familiar story. The message is universal, not just for the youth but for all of us in the world. Our world is getting ever smaller and as our different cultures melt into each other, we all can use reminders of how it is to live well with each other. I love what you are doing. I hope you can keep it going, and am happy to help should you need it in the future. All the best to your work.
74	Donald E.M. almost 5 years ago from Bali We have to do these things more often because so many people are lonely out there.
75	Nancy M almost 5 years ago from Roseville, CA I cry everytime I see this commercial because I was that "new girl" often - we moved a lot. I love you're doing for our world. Each of us can make a difference.
76	Dave Z almost 5 years ago from Laos I saw the cafeteria spot on CNN. Every time it comes on I have to watch it again. I've passed FBL on to a mother and 13 year old girl who is interested in better role models and reaching out.
77	Karen R almost 5 years ago from Bicol, Philippines People of For Better Life... You are making a difference. Thank You!!!
78	Liana L almost 5 years ago from Minneapolis You guys at this organization are doing some awesome work. I just saw one of your commercials and I just had to come look at the website. Keep it up! Very inspiring.
79	Lady Samm almost 5 years ago from Toronto, Canada It takes ONE only ONE sometimes to make the biggest difference in another person's life...IF ONE cares there will be more....ahhhhh
80	Xaviar K. almost 5 years ago from Amsterdam, The Netherlands This spot is very good. It shows us the bad moments in social life that confront many people every day. My compliments. I saw this spot on CNN and right after seeing this spot I came to this site.
81	Rachelle P about 5 years ago from I thought that it was pretty interesting, in that most of us or all of us can say that we have seen that happen to someone or even ourselves.
82	Dave F. about 5 years ago from Meriden Connecticut beautiful...
83	Tweek V about 5 years ago from Valparaiso IN Great spot....what is the name of that song

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