Bullies exist regardless of the number of anti-bullying programs currently available. Most of us have been bullied at one time or another and lived to tell about it. Others haven't been so lucky, succumbmng to their bullies by killing themselves. There are numerous reasons for bullies, but none excuse their behavior.
As a child, I was often bullied for being chubby, smart, wearing glasses, and having braces. When I moved to a new state and school, I stood up to a girl, who proceeded to bully me until we were juniors in high school. I asked for help in dealing with her, and I was told to avoid her. That's how we were helped in the 80s. If a student confides in me about being bullied, I immediately follow the action plan we have and notify the proper authorities. Bullies are supposedly not tolerate, but then we all know that isn't true.
However, adult bullies are more difficult to deal with. Adult bullies use various media to send out their messages of hate and intolerance. Adult bullies make up lies, use police or lawyers, and instill fear in their perceived enemies. Adult bullies use their children and the friends of their children to cause panic and fear in others. Because adult bullies often have more money and more power, they are able to flout their attitudes and cause problems for others. How are they stopped?
Currently it seems as though they can't be stopped. With Facebook, Myspace, and blogs, bullies can spread their negativity throughout cyberspace. If they can't obtain their desired results they can write letters or articles for local newspapers, once again spreading their messages of hate and intolerance. The worst part is when bullying takes place in a work environment and the boss is unwilling to support her employees, employees feel powerless, scared, and stressed. No work environment can be successful with people who feel powerless and scared. Why tolerate bullies in the workplace? Why tolerate bullies at all?
I challenge those who are bullied to stand up and defy the bullies. Continue to push the issue until it is resolved. And for those who are bullies? Grow up. Get ahold of yourself. Get a life, you pathetic pieces of trash.
