|
Something that seems to have gotten missed here in this discussion, is that bullying isn't about teasing, it isn't "all in fun," it isn't a game, it's about POWER and CONTROL, plain and simple. Bullies seek to humiliate others in order to gain power over them through FEAR and INTIMIDATION. You could say they are mini-terrorists, without the bombs. After all, they are tormenting people, causing them to feel terror.
It comes from a place of weakness in the bully, weakness of character, fear (they are probably being abused in some way themselves, or neglected), feelings of inadequecy. So in order to feel powerful, and fearless, and OK, they prey on others who are weaker. The really sad thing is, many times the ones who get preyed upon are not really weaker, they are just unprepared to deal with the situation because let's face it, kids aren't given the skills they need to combat that particular kind of cruelty.
While I was never bullied, there was this one retarded girl at my school that other people liked to bully. I always stood up for her. I always tried to shame the people who were bullying or making fun of her. I have always been that way. I also say shit to people when they litter. Or when people are cruel to animals.
I have to say though, a part of me has grown cold to the cruelty in the world. If it wasn't, it would break me. There is just too much of it out there, and nothing is being done about it.
|