B U L L Y I N G

This topic has shown its ugly head in far too many places. Most of us are abhorred at the simple idea of it and many seek solutions to address it.

What is bullying? For minors, it is when an individual is taunted, belittled, and sometimes physically assaulted by insecure people. It is usually carried out in packs. They sometimes wrongly justify their actions. It really does not matter the reason before they project their ugliness onto an undeserving individual. Sometimes, it causes so much hardship that socially the individual leaves school, town and/ or maybe ends their life. Decisions taken depends greatly on their inner strength, their support system (if any) and what and who is available to help them salvage their dignity. More times than not, their lives are ruined or close to it when they continue to be invalidated. I think most adults would agree they will not tolerate this type of behavior, especially if they have children in schools.

Let’s step back for a minute:  Bullying has existed for centuries and it rests on the shoulders of adults. Yes, adults. When an individual solicits a consensus from their family, co-workers, colleagues or others to belittle or ruin someone’s reputation and credibility, it carries the same implication. In some circles of our society, we call it sexism, racism, ageism, and many other politically definitions but as adults we think we are above bullying. NOT!!!!

What makes this situation even worst is the indifference and apathy others show while this is happening. Some may even claim to not know. The irony here is that the prosecuted is usually stronger than the offender but does not have weak followers to be accomplices to their atrocious actions. They have been on a solo journey for so long they would not think of soliciting dysfunctional obedience from anyone around them.

I have been a witness and recipient to this type of behavior, adult bullying. Fortunate for me, I had an older brother who protected me while being raised in the ghetto and prepared me on how to handle it later in life. The harsh reality was to accept that it is going to happen. He said only the weak resorts to violence, must be in dysfunctional groups, and only survive when others condone their demented behavior. I not only empowered myself with extensive education, confidence and self-defense but made sure I myself would not resort to adult bullying. It is always the offender who is a coward, low life individual who spends his/her time trying to steal the dignity of others. That I am not!