On any given day we can read in the news about someone being bullied, whether it’s a student bullying another student, a parent bullying their daughter by making her wear a sign on the corner that reads, “I smoked pot” or some such nonsense, or the CEO of a corporation bullying a legislator into introducing a bill that will benefit the company’s bottom line. It’s sad that it makes the news so often, but it’s great that there is an open, ongoing dialogue about it.
I can understand when children bully other children. I can also forgive them for it even when they don’t seem repentant. That’s not to say there shouldn’t be consequences for their bullying, it needs to be addressed and fixed. But the reason they’re bullies is because they’re being taught to be that way. They’re most likely learning it from their parents. So, children being bullies is understandable.
But, when the bullying is coming from the adult end of the pool, I get pissed. Adults who bully weaker people, whether it’s a child or a peer, are assholes. Yes, there may be a reason they’re bullies. It could be because they were bullied as children, but as an adult they should recognize their problem and deal with it.
There may be explanations as to why they’re bullies, but that doesn’t mean they should be excused. People who feel the need to intimidate other people think they’re showing off their supremacy, and because they may be able to coerce some people into fearing them they think they’re way more important than they really are. But, instead of showing how powerful they are, they’re putting their insecurities and low self-esteem on full, blazing display for everyone to see. So, not only are bullies assholes, they’re pathetic, impotent, cowardly assholes.
Recently, someone tried to bully me, and instead of making me cower, it made me laugh. Then again, I’ve never been one to allow bullies to intimidate me. This is probably the result of being the runt of a litter of seven children. It’s ingrained in me to not take flak from anyone.
Unfortunately, not everyone had the benefit of having a gang of siblings to teach them this very important life lesson. So, I speak up for those who are being bullied when I can. I won’t stand by and let some jerk treat another person badly. I hope you do the same. If you’re the one being bullied, try to stand up to the person intimidating you. There are a lot of online resources that can help you learn how to assert yourself. The first time you do it, your knees will shake and your heart will pound, but knowing you just kicked the ass of a bully will be worth it. Let’s keep it as a figurative ass kicking, not a literal one, please.
Finally, if you’re the one doing the bullying, and you know who you are, grow up.
Rachel Birdsell is a freelance writer and artist. You can reach her at rabirdsell@gmail.com
Browbeating, Blustering, Bulldozing Brutes
Rachel Birdsell
On any given day we can read in the news about someone being bullied, whether it’s a student bullying another student, a parent bullying their daughter by making her wear a sign on the corner that reads, “I smoked pot” or some such nonsense, or the CEO of a corporation bullying a legislator into introducing a bill that will benefit the company’s bottom line. It’s sad that it makes the news so often, but it’s great that there is an open, ongoing dialogue about it.
I can understand when children bully other children. I can also forgive them for it even when they don’t seem repentant. That’s not to say there shouldn’t be consequences for their bullying, it needs to be addressed and fixed. But the reason they’re bullies is because they’re being taught to be that way. They’re most likely learning it from their parents. So, children being bullies is understandable.
But, when the bullying is coming from the adult end of the pool, I get pissed. Adults who bully weaker people, whether it’s a child or a peer, are assholes. Yes, there may be a reason they’re bullies. It could be because they were bullied as children, but as an adult they should recognize their problem and deal with it.
There may be explanations as to why they’re bullies, but that doesn’t mean they should be excused. People who feel the need to intimidate other people think they’re showing off their supremacy, and because they may be able to coerce some people into fearing them they think they’re way more important than they really are. But, instead of showing how powerful they are, they’re putting their insecurities and low self-esteem on full, blazing display for everyone to see. So, not only are bullies assholes, they’re pathetic, impotent, cowardly assholes.
Recently, someone tried to bully me, and instead of making me cower, it made me laugh. Then again, I’ve never been one to allow bullies to intimidate me. This is probably the result of being the runt of a litter of seven children. It’s ingrained in me to not take flak from anyone.
Unfortunately, not everyone had the benefit of having a gang of siblings to teach them this very important life lesson. So, I speak up for those who are being bullied when I can. I won’t stand by and let some jerk treat another person badly. I hope you do the same. If you’re the one being bullied, try to stand up to the person intimidating you. There are a lot of online resources that can help you learn how to assert yourself. The first time you do it, your knees will shake and your heart will pound, but knowing you just kicked the ass of a bully will be worth it. Let’s keep it as a figurative ass kicking, not a literal one, please.
Finally, if you’re the one doing the bullying, and you know who you are, grow up.
Rachel Birdsell is a freelance writer and artist. You can reach her at rabirdsell@gmail.com