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Cyber-Bullying: Has it gone too far?
 Bismarck.Bloodrose
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By Bismarck.Bloodrose 2013-04-14 11:50:40
I understand what Nahhhh is saying, but telling someone they're wrong for how they're handling something isn't going to help, and as this goes on he's sounding like an *** about it. Not to mention he doesn't know the story of each individual.
While I agree that people shouldn't dwell on the past, I also understand how it can affect your present. It's not always as simple as "I realize I'm stronger than this, I can move on". It's sometimes more psychological than that. It can feel like it's who you are, rather than a "problem" that can be fixed.
Thank You. There's also this thing called a "Spirit Chant", which is also known as a "mantra" or "kotodama". When you hear it everyday, see it everyday, and are treated that way every day, it begins to show in your personality, your mood, your efforts, your attitude. Simply saying, "Hey, life doesn't suck, so cheer up", isn't going to solve the actual problems, nor any problems that arise, which is the issue. It simply shrugs off and invalidates what happened.
We're not exactly talking about light bullying, or small amounts of, as i've mentioned the extreme lengths that people will go to just to see others suffer. Is it Power? Control? Fear? Something else? As the infamouse Nikolce said, sometimes people just want to watch the world burn. And they do.
The victims aren't the ones with anger issues, they have depressive issues, confidence issues, people ignoring and shrugging off their problems, that feeling of hurt, helplessness, despair, and hopelessness.
There are many ways to reduce bullying, but that has to start with each of us, letting others know we won't ignore it, we won't tolerate it, and that there is support for victims, so that what they feel is validated, that it did happen, and what they can do to help prevent it from happening again.
One of the bullies i knew actually assaulted me with a soldering iron in a com-tech class, leaving physical scars on my body, and that the residue is toxic. I was the one expelled from school for it, granted i shook him up pretty good, but my arms were bandaged for a couple of weeks. The psychological issues from that particular incident came with what actually happened when it came time to deliver discipline - I was expelled, he wasn't even removed from class. This is the kind of thing that seriously causes about half of the mental anguish that victims suffer. The teacher wrote in her incident report, that i was "in the wrong place, at the wrong time", despite the fact other kids in class said he had done so deliberately.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 11:51:17
I wish Nah was around to help prevent all these suicides from bullying. He really would've helped them by telling them to get over it and guilt them for not having done so already.
They'd probably be alive if they had someone to talk to, regardless of what the response was so long as it was someone who cared. I apologize that my way of handling it isn't the same way someone talking to a 5 year old would handle it, I assume everyone here is an adult and has bigger things to worry about and that these issues are a sidegrade.
Seriously, don't act like you know anything of people's situations, or how easy it is to handle what can be a truly debilitating experience for people. I don't even care if I'm putting words in your mouth, because you're the one guilting victims and assuming it's less of a bigger deal than it is.
It hasn't affected them that much if they're still sitting at home breathing.
I was bullied throughout middle school and high school, and I eventually stuck up for myself. I got in trouble, but for the most part they stopped bothering me. I also kinda hung out with the bigger kids too, so that helped. I'd say most of the bullying is behind me; perhaps I "got over it", and I haven't noticed any negative long-term effects from it. I still would've preferred never having to deal with it, and I think bullying should be taken more seriously. Because, you know, suicides and all.
Suicides happen because they feel like there is no other option. There are plenty, but most people have never been asked or pushed to talk about something because most people would rather leave them alone.
I may not be saying what people want to hear and I'm very sorry that it's not my method, but at the very least I care enough to tell them that I believe they can get over it, that I believe in them. It's tough love.
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 Valefor.Sehachan
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By Valefor.Sehachan 2013-04-14 11:54:45
That's not what I've done, but trying to explain would be a waste of time.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 11:55:53
That's not what I've done, but trying to explain would be a waste of time. Accidentally deleted my post.
Point is, I'm not talking to you anymore. Get over yourself.
 Lakshmi.AeliusVIP
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By Lakshmi.Aelius 2013-04-14 11:55:55
Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh said: »
I think you're a bully who likes to tell people that they are wrong and knows how to solves everyone's problem by belittling them even further. If you had any decency; shut up.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 11:58:45
Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh said: »
I think you're a bully who likes to tell people that they are wrong and knows how to solves everyone's problem by belittling them even further. If you had any decency; shut up. Yes, telling people that they are ok and that they can get over something with time if they look at the things that are good in their lives is being a bully.
If I wanted to be a bully or an ***, I would be. Now if you don't mind, I'm trying to have a discussion about a topic and would love it if people stopped making it about them as individuals.
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By Bismarck.Dracondria 2013-04-14 12:00:32
Someone's begging for a topic ban
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By Odin.Godofgods 2013-04-14 12:02:12
/em shakes a stick..
I remember back in my day when us kids actually had a back bone!
On another note i have to wonder about all this anti bullying stuff going on. And wonder if its doing more harm then good. Bullying is nothing new. Its been going on since the beginning of humanity. Its not some shocking new Revelation that just started.
But ppl are now believing that crap about 'every child is special' and that they are all little fragile creatures. Which makes so many treat them like fragile creatures. Which in turn helps make them actually become one.
But all this stuff going on about anti bullying with kids will only make it worse. To those that don't no, here is a news flash: Kids arnt the only ppl that bully! 0.0
Politicians, business men, even alot of the everyday adults, all bully as well. If a person cant learn how to deal with it while they are a kid, what is going to happen when there boss starts pushing them around? The systems to corrupted to help. Others don't get involved. And now you cant defend yourself.
Whats going to happen when politicians and government start bully around the ppl, who are unable to stand up for themselves? (of curse I'm sure thats what they are hoping for.)
Much like the idea of kids being in school to learn socialization skills to prepared themselves for the future, the same goes for bullying. You cant get rid of it all. So you better well learn how to deal with it and protect yourself. Because shielding them from it, doesn't stop it.
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Lakshmi.Aelius
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By Lakshmi.Aelius 2013-04-14 12:03:19
Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh said: »Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh said: »
I think you're a bully who likes to tell people that they are wrong and knows how to solves everyone's problem by belittling them even further. If you had any decency; shut up. Yes, telling people that they are ok and that they can get over something with time if they look at the things that are good in their lives is being a bully.
If I wanted to be a bully or an ***, I would be. Now if you don't mind, I'm trying to have a discussion about a topic and would love it if people stopped making it about them as individuals.
That's the problem you're too ignorant to understand. You're not having a discussion nor a debate. You're telling people what to do in a disgustingly-condescending way that I believe makes you feel superior in your own mind. Therefore, by your own logic; You're a bully.
I'll say this so you can understand this; If you do not have anything nice to say, don't post.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 12:03:42
/em shakes a stick..
I remember back in my day when us kids actually had a back bone!
On another note i have to wonder about all this anti bullying stuff going on. And wonder if its doing more harm then good. Bullying is nothing new. Its been going on since the beginning of humanity. Its not some shocking new Revelation that just started.
But ppl are now believing that crap about 'every child is special' and that they are all little fragile creatures. Which makes so many treat them like fragile creatures. Which in turn helps make them actually become one.
But all this stuff going on about anti bullying with kids will only make it worse. To those that don't no, here is a news flash: Kids arnt the only ppl that bully! 0.0
Politicians, business men, even alot of the everyday adults, all bully as well. If a person cant learn how to deal with it while they are a kid, what is going to happen when there boss starts pushing them around? The systems to corrupted to help. Others don't get involved. And now you cant defend yourself.
Whats going to happen when politicians and government start bully around the ppl, who are unable to stand up for themselves? (of curse I'm sure thats what they are hoping for.)
Much like the idea of kids being in school to learn socialization skills to prepared themselves for the future, the same goes for bullying. You cant get rid of it all. So you better well learn how to deal with it and protect yourself. Because shielding them from it, doesn't stop it. Boom. Point.
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By Bismarck.Dracondria 2013-04-14 12:04:57
We have this in our schools
Quote: Friends is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stop bullying and other abuses in schools and sports clubs all across Sweden . Operations are financed through collection from individuals and businesses, as well as through fees from programs they implement. Friends has a so-called 90-account and audited by the Swedish Fundraising Control.
Friends works long term through education, counseling and advocacy to increase knowledge and commitment. They currently have about 40 employees with varied backgrounds. Common to Friends trainers is that everyone has experience of working with children and young people such as educators, teachers, sports coaches, behavioral scientists and the like.
The Foundation was started in 1997 by Sara Damber , is headquartered in Stockholm and three smaller offices in Gothenburg , Umeå and Malmö.
Friends courses intended for all children and students in preschool, elementary school and high school , all school staff and parents. Since 2003 , the Friends also been active in sports.
Friends vision: A society where children and young people grow up in safety and equality.
Friends mission: To stop all bullying in Swedish schools and sports clubs. There are long term through education, counseling and follow-up. It also conducts advocacy to increase knowledge and commitment.
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Lakshmi.Aelius
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By Lakshmi.Aelius 2013-04-14 12:07:37
Much like the idea of kids being in school to learn socialization skills to prepared themselves for the future, the same goes for bullying. You cant get rid of it all. So you better well learn how to deal with it and protect yourself. Because shielding them from it, doesn't stop it.
That's the problem. Some people learn from the wrong people and protect themselves to drastic measures and then, we have murders stemming from it.
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By Bahamut.Baconwrap 2013-04-14 12:10:10
So, how are you supposed to fight a bully? You either retort to violence
Judge Judy!!! Money talks. Sad fact but it's a reality. If the admin/faculty doesn't want to step in. Simply inform the administration that you(a parent) will be resorting to law enforcement and filing charges.
When I was younger I was bullied, admin didn't want to do anything. Mom stepped in filed charges against the guy. He went to juvenile court, and his parents had to pay a fine. Lesson learned.
I know some might think resorting to courts/law at such a young age is petty. But I think it sets a good example for young adults. Young adults need to understand there are legal consequences to their actions. Even if its something as petty as an injunction.
 Sylph.Jrpg
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By Sylph.Jrpg 2013-04-14 12:10:31
I think people have missed the point completely in Nahh's posts, and have taken what is THEIR perspective and let it put them on the defensive.
Their intention does not seem to troll or aggravate people. To me it seems like, again, their [nah's] perspective shot through a positive prism in their own way.
His incredibly narrow, short-sighted perspective that helps no one by putting them down for not seeing it his way.
Bismarck.Bloodrose
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By Bismarck.Bloodrose 2013-04-14 12:10:55
"Get over it, there's people worse off than you, You just gotta get over it" sounds a lot like circle-jerking to me, since there's clearly no insight into HOW the victims of extreme cases of bullying can do so.
Not only that, but just because someone isn't DEAD or IN JAIL, you assume they're alright. Or that it didn't affect them very much, yet it has a drastic impact on how you live with the effects of bullying, your immediate self worth, your long-term solutions, short term solutions, as you ARE when it happens, and when you still feel affected by it, or vulnerable to a certain degree. I have already explained this point, which is continually glossed over. I have steadily repeated that not everyone has the same internal fortitude as another. Extreme cases of bullying can't be dealt with by "just having a positive attitude" or "getting over it". The effects of severe mental anguish caused by bullying is staggering, and lingering. It's akin to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and i don't intend to make PTSD sound any less serious, but it's with kids. It affects your behavior, the way you act, or react, how you think, and why you think that way. It even affects the people around you.
The depression that comes with the extreme bullying, is downright disgusting. I've been there. I know what it's like to think about suicide. I know what it's like to feel isolated, that there isn't a way out. Even though there are other ways out, the best way is to DEAL with it, and not ignore it, and "get over it". You deal with it, you get over it, then you move on.
Sometimes when the solution is to move away, it's not possible because of financial restrictions. Friends have turned on friends at the drop of a dime, just to avoid the onslaught of torment, and will even join in to spare themselves, throwing another to the wolves. Which brings up Cyber Bullying extremes - Even if you move, if ANYONE decides to do something malicious, it's all to easy to spready rumors, lies, stories, etc. about someone that EVERYONE has access to. Change your name, you say? Doesn't matter, they have a picture of YOU, sometimes a yearbook photo, something they took themselves, or something you posted, and will place malicious text on it, or associate it with something that people are all too willing to believe.
What then, go to the police for harassment? All they can really do is investigate, IF they decide it's worth the time to do so. By the time they get involved, it may very well be too late. Suicide rates are on the rise, and there really isn't much time between the police get involved when warranted, and a suicide happens, if the police are even involved at all by that point.
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Valefor.Sehachan
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By Valefor.Sehachan 2013-04-14 12:12:04
because it made you feel freaking wishy washy about the subject I tried to have a discussion about the topic in general, and he insisted on trying to address me, despite my refusal to wanting to talk about it.
But ofc I'm the one wanting attention.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 12:15:26
Bismarck.Bloodrose said: »"Get over it, there's people worse off than you, You just gotta get over it" sounds a lot like circle-jerking to me, since there's clearly no insight into HOW the victims of extreme cases of bullying can do so.
Not only that, but just because someone isn't DEAD or IN JAIL, you assume they're alright. Or that it didn't affect them very much, yet it has a drastic impact on how you live with the effects of bullying, your immediate self worth, your long-term solutions, short term solutions, as you ARE when it happens, and when you still feel affected by it, or vulnerable to a certain degree. I have already explained this point, which is continually glossed over. I have steadily repeated that not everyone has the same internal fortitude as another. Extreme cases of bullying can't be dealt with by "just having a positive attitude" or "getting over it". The effects of severe mental anguish caused by bullying is staggering, and lingering. It's akin to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and i don't intend to make PTSD sound any less serious, but it's with kids. It affects your behavior, the way you act, or react, how you think, and why you think that way. It even affects the people around you.
The depression that comes with the extreme bullying, is downright disgusting. I've been there. I know what it's like to think about suicide. I know what it's like to feel isolated, that there isn't a way out. Even though there are other ways out, the best way is to DEAL with it, and not ignore it, and "get over it". You deal with it, you get over it, then you move on.
Sometimes when the solution is to move away, it's not possible because of financial restrictions. Friends have turned on friends at the drop of a dime, just to avoid the onslaught of torment, and will even join in to spare themselves, throwing another to the wolves. Which brings up Cyber Bullying extremes - Even if you move, if ANYONE decides to do something malicious, it's all to easy to spready rumors, lies, stories, etc. about someone that EVERYONE has access to. Change your name, you say? Doesn't matter, they have a picture of YOU, sometimes a yearbook photo, something they took themselves, or something you posted, and will place malicious text on it, or associate it with something that people are all too willing to believe.
What then, go to the police for harassment? All they can really do is investigate, IF they decide it's worth the time to do so. By the time they get involved, it may very well be too late. Suicide rates are on the rise, and there really isn't much time between the police get involved when warranted, and a suicide happens, if the police are even involved at all by that point. Bolded: I do too
Underlined: That's all I was trying to say.
I'm not disagreeing with anyone here except when it comes to ignoring the problem, letting it depress you, and not seeking help.
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Bismarck.Bloodrose
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By Bismarck.Bloodrose 2013-04-14 12:20:35
There is only so much you can mentally and physically process ontop of the unrealistic amounts of homework being sent home. They are in developmentally crucial stages, and while all bullying can't be stopped, we should be focusing on how to reduce it, instead of telling the victims "Hey buddy, get over it, k?" especially since we're talking MAJOR amounts, and extremes. Nahhhhhhh happened to miss the point. He's also missed some of the problems the victims of extreme bullying face every day, and his comments are increasingly crude, disrespectful, and completely invalidate what's happening, which is essentially blaming the victim for being depressed, for letting it happen, for feeling the way they do after endless days of bullying, some of which are criminal acts, etc.
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By Bismarck.Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh 2013-04-14 12:24:15
Bismarck.Bloodrose said: »There is only so much you can mentally and physically process ontop of the unrealistic amounts of homework being sent home. They are in developmentally crucial stages, and while all bullying can't be stopped, we should be focusing on how to reduce it, instead of telling the victims "Hey buddy, get over it, k?" especially since we're talking MAJOR amounts, and extremes. Nahhhhhhh happened to miss the point. He's also missed some of the problems the victims of extreme bullying face every day, and his comments are increasingly crude, disrespectful, and completely invalidate what's happening, which is essentially blaming the victim for being depressed, for letting it happen, for feeling the way they do after endless days of bullying, some of which are criminal acts, etc. No, no, no.
That's not it at all. I'm not trying to say it didn't matter, that it was their fault, or that they should "just get over it".
Where did you get that from?
Valefor.Sehachan
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By Valefor.Sehachan 2013-04-14 12:26:23
The discussion was going on fairly normally until the post on last page, Bart.
Bismarck.Bloodrose
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By Bismarck.Bloodrose 2013-04-14 12:31:47
Not every bully can be handled the same way. Some do light teasing. We all do it. We get heated in the moment, say ***we claim we didn't mean, we fume, we apologize for acting like tools, and move on.
Others are the physical kind of bully. They usually step down after they recieve a good thumping themselves or at the very least, know you won't take it lying down, and there's a chance they could get hurt as well.
Then there are the cruel, vindictive for no other reason than to be cruel and vindictive, putting people down publicly, in the most humiliating fashion, for the sake of a reaction. They go to the most extreme lengths, even after a good thumping, parental and school involvement, and so on. Spreading rumors, lies, stories, even going so far as to maliciously attack someone with social media. They know that school admins won't get involved.
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By Bahamut.Baconwrap 2013-04-14 12:35:57
Bismarck.Bloodrose said: »Then there are the cruel, vindictive for no other reason than to be cruel and vindictive, putting people down publicly, in the most humiliating fashion, for the sake of a reaction. They go to the most extreme lengths, even after a good thumping, parental and school involvement, and so on. Spreading rumors, lies, stories, even going so far as to maliciously attack someone with social media. They know that school admins won't get involved.
We live in this Mean Girls society. Where there are these individuals teens and adults, who function by belittling others. It's very much acceptable to tease someone on their attire, weight, ethnicity etc.
Bismarck.Bloodrose
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By Bismarck.Bloodrose 2013-04-14 12:44:42
Then it's water under the bridge, Seha.
Anyway, It's hard for me to explain. (as is everything I type) I feel as if a bullied person has a personal choice at ~some point as to how they can address the pain they have endured. Could it be years? I don't know.
I do know no matter what happens with the bully after that you feel pretty bad until you do some working on it.
There's circumstances where I wouldn't expect people to .. "just get over it".. but I do believe fixing your home starts from within.
That doesn't remove accountability from the bullies. They are the ones terrorizing, but I've got no clear answers personally on how to ultimately stop it. There should be repercussions but even then I don't know how you turn a bully good.
They have pain just the same, some they haven't addressed either. Is this in total just a mental health problem? A social problem? Probably both? Well, one of the ways which as been repeatedly discussed over the years, as reorts have come in, as sensational news stories come in, is to change the direction of where the Anger Management programs are aimed. It's like that episode of South Park which looks at Hate Crime Laws: A Savage Hypocrisy. Only with a bit of a twist.
It would definetly be a step in the right direction, in helping victims, while taking a look at the anger or other mental issues of bullies. Which really, is a win-win for everyone, particularly if some bullies are only doing so towards others as a validation effort for attention, being bullied at home or elsewhere, or for whatever reason, are just angry.
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Bismarck.Yamisam
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By Bismarck.Yamisam 2013-04-14 12:59:27
I agree with Bloodrose. It's sad to say though that if the bullied attempts to stand up for themselves then they are treated as the bully.
 Leviathan.Syagin
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By Leviathan.Syagin 2013-04-14 13:17:57
Im reading all these posts and I only see one person of like 5-6 "trying" to see what Nahh's actactually saying... everyone is jumping all over this dude and somehow he's the bully?
Valefor.Sehachan
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By Valefor.Sehachan 2013-04-14 13:19:55
Disagreeing=/=picking on someone.
Personally, I told him off cause he shifted the topic to me, which irritated me.
Also, does your avatar have a penis?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/pulseofcanada/yahoo-visitors-speak-handle-cyber-bullying-161316862.htmlProsecute them, publicly shame them, teach them and forgive them. The possible ways to handle the growing issue of cyber-bullying are varied and often conflict one another. But one thing is clear, Canadians are upset and passionate about the latest scourge to afflict our country’s youth.
Nova Scotia teen Rehtaeh Parsons took her own life after being sexually abused while drunk and then cyber-bullied over pictures posted online. She was teased, mocked and isolated. And now she is dead. Another young Canadian whose life was ruined by the cruelty of others.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said it was beyond time we took cyber-bullying more seriously, telling reporters, “Bullying to me has a kind of connotation … of kids misbehaving. What we are dealing with in some of these circumstances is simply criminal activity.”
Canadians, it seems, agree. In a discussion this week, Yahoo! Canada News readers offered constructive suggestions on how to address cyber-bullying. It is too late for Retaeh Parsons, but here are some ideas that could stop it from happening again.
For some, the issue comes right down to a lack of respect and appreciation for one another. Taqrin says parents are not doing enough to teach their children respect. “Problem is, parents are not teaching their kids the meaning of RESPECT and without respect for your fellow man you have nothing,” Taqrin wrote. “Treat others the way you would want them to treat you. With respect.”
Ron P. couldn’t agree more, saying, “Simple: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's a tough enough world out there. Try just giving someone a smile.”
Many more commentators agreed. However, West had another tilt on the issue of parenting, saying boundaries needed to be defined for children:
Quote: When my sister and I were kids, we had at least 1 parent home with us 95% of the time. I wasn't allowed to play video games that were rated R, or adult, ditto for watching movies. There were kids we weren't allowed to hang around, there were places we weren't allowed to go.
Parents these days are trying too hard to be the cool parent, not enough of them realize how much harm it can do to be cool parents.
Anna attempted to put herself in the place of parents whose children commit cyber-bullying. She had a tough time:
Quote: My boys ever treat another human the way these two young girls were treated they will know they are embarking down a path their father and I will not support. They will know this through a few of the many, many, many talks we will have with them as they grow up.
I keep coming back to how disappointed I would be in them. I wonder what the parents of the four accused boys are thinking about all of this?
Others joined the online debate more interested in how to deal with acts of cyber-bullying than how to avoid future ones.
Lisa wrote that the justice system was too light on bullies. “Start charging those bullies with manslaughter in some form,” she wrote. “Or have them spend their remaining days going from school to school telling their story to other students of how they bullied someone to death and that bullying is no laughing matter....I was bullied to!”
Elaine agreed, saying, “Put some ‘teeth’ into the law. Cyber-bullying is more than just playing malicious pranks. If a suicide results from the bullying then charge the perpetrators with murder.”
Not everyone was about the justice system. Tnarg felt it was better to handle things personally, writing, “Bullies are always cowards. The best thing to do is to smash them in the face. Then they will leave you alone.”
Of course, in the age of cyber-bullying there are other ways to attack bullies than with violence. Elle sided with the online hackers “Anonymous,” who threatened to release the identities of Parsons’ attackers:
Quote: I've never heard of this ‘Anonymous’ group, but I love you, whomever you are. I say do it, release those cowards’ names. Too many kids are KILLING THEMSELVES over cyber-bullying. Maybe if there's some sort of fear of retaliation for the bullies, they won't bully in the first place. I thought bullying was supposed to be a criminal offence now... what the hell happened to that?
Stiffer penalties, physical violence and online retribution may bring sufferers some immediate gratification, but some question whether it is more than a temporary reprieve from the issue. Will it actually cause cyber-bullying to go away?
Neil doesn’t think so. In his post, he said the only way to address bullying is to understand that something has caused those people to lash out.
He writes:
Quote: Bullying will never end. That is a fact, harsh but true. And the more rules and regulations that are created to stop it will only serve to further enslave us... and they won’t stop the bullying.
In most cases a bully was bullied themselves, and by their very own parents. Try and imagine what it’s like to go home where you’re supposed to feel safe and you get beat up by your drunk father. Or verbally abused. Such a child feels powerless in a hostile environment and they seek to regain that power and sense of security in any way and any place they can.
What I am getting at is that the true cause of bullying goes much deeper than just "bad kids that need to be punished". Because of this you cannot get rid of or treat the problem with rules against bullying. A bully by their very nature is a rule breaker so it won’t help the real problem. Any rules or regulations will only serve as revenge for hurt families... knowing that their injustice is not going without punishment. Who among us dares to look deeper to the cause of bullying? If you do you will see that it will never be abolished... to wish to abolish it is to want to make the world a perfect place and the more you try to control it and manipulate it with rules the less perfect it becomes.
Underneath is my yahoo response (which for w/e reason wouldn't be posted) Quote: Personally, i think Neil is full of shit. I was bullied by my father, even beaten. Some of these kids grow up with a silver spoon up their ***, believing that because they are far superior, they can belittle and demean anyone in any shape or form, without repurcussions. As a victim of bullying, and having done bullying myself, for which i have apologized - you feel helpless. Sometimes the people around you feel helpless and act on survival instincts in a social setting.
I do believe that Harper is half right - there is a negative connotation, but it's not as simple as misbehaving. Bullies instinctively pick out who they percieve to be the weakest target - primarily someone who already has extremely little confidence, or someone who "looks like a victim" before they are a victim. Now, before anyoone gets on me about blaming the victim: Don't bother, because i am not blaming the victim. Victims may not be completely powerless, but what happens with bullying is that they are made to feel powerless infront of their agitators. It could be as simple as wearing your hair a specific way, wearing something that feels good, but looks different.Based on my observations and experiences from both sides of the coin, Bullies tend to be afraid of change more than anyone. They do everything they can to get a reaction, a result, to ridicule, torment, and so forth, in order to keep things the same - They stay on top of the social food chain. The responses by schools with their "Zero Tolerance" policies to bullying is pure garbage - atleast with how it's implimented and acted on. A student who is forced to fight back physically is often seen as "violent" or has "Anger Problems", despite the administration knowing full well that other students with societal behavior problems were involved, and doing the agitating. I mean seriously, wouldn't YOU be upset off as well if someone was degrading you, humiliating you, and NO ONE stepped in to help, when they know they could have?
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