Society used to confine its descriptions of bullies to the misguided tough kids in school who would harass or beat up smaller kids - popping their books, stealing their lunch money, or giving them wedgies. They still exist of course, but we have expanded the definition to include all kinds of controlling or belittling behavior which terrorizes its targets into shells of themselves.
This article was very difficult to read, Zephareth. Nevertheless, Iām glad I read it; a painful account of the lifelong consequences of bullying. Thank you so much. š
It was difficult to write as well, Liz. But I believe we can't shy away from things that need addressing, uncomfortable though they might be. I really appreciate you sticking it through. ZL
Thank you for writing this article. So many people on social media are resorting to bullying to terrorize critics or just to have the sick pleasure of hurting others. Cyberharassment has become socially acceptable. You nailed it. This anti-social online behavior can have lasting effects on others and once it is left on social media, the consequences can no longer be controlled by anyone.
You're right about cyberbullying as well, JC. Hadn't even covered that aspect. Thanks for your input, important that we expand our understanding of these things as a group. ZL
This line from your article hit home: āCountless people have had their self-esteem bludgeoned repeatedly throughout their lives, which has led to damaged psyches, lack of confidence, and poor personal choices that are rarely outgrown.ā It hit home because it is not just ābulliesā outside the home that can cause the loss of self-esteem. It can also be from inside the family, caused by sibilings or parents...from whatever family dynamics exist. That loss of self-esteem and struggle to recover from it is the same.
I very much agree. It seems that there are so many people who can't find the balance between the extremes of being a snowflake crybaby who gets the vapors over every minor, perceived slight, and those who think that bullying behavior is acceptable. Can't we just be good to each other? I can't understand why that's so challenging for some. Thanks for your input, Dave. ZL
This article was very difficult to read, Zephareth. Nevertheless, Iām glad I read it; a painful account of the lifelong consequences of bullying. Thank you so much. š
It was difficult to write as well, Liz. But I believe we can't shy away from things that need addressing, uncomfortable though they might be. I really appreciate you sticking it through. ZL
Moving but tragic article about the human condition, making it a difficult to read article that needs to be read.
Thanks, Matt, for your comment. Yours is an opinion I truly value, having read your work. We have to keep chipping away. ZL
This article is beyond well written itās a testament to the human condition and what we go thru
Thank you for your thoughtful comment David. It's obviously a personal subject for my family, and certainly many others. Appreciate your input. ZL
Thank you for writing this article. So many people on social media are resorting to bullying to terrorize critics or just to have the sick pleasure of hurting others. Cyberharassment has become socially acceptable. You nailed it. This anti-social online behavior can have lasting effects on others and once it is left on social media, the consequences can no longer be controlled by anyone.
You're right about cyberbullying as well, JC. Hadn't even covered that aspect. Thanks for your input, important that we expand our understanding of these things as a group. ZL
This line from your article hit home: āCountless people have had their self-esteem bludgeoned repeatedly throughout their lives, which has led to damaged psyches, lack of confidence, and poor personal choices that are rarely outgrown.ā It hit home because it is not just ābulliesā outside the home that can cause the loss of self-esteem. It can also be from inside the family, caused by sibilings or parents...from whatever family dynamics exist. That loss of self-esteem and struggle to recover from it is the same.
I very much agree. It seems that there are so many people who can't find the balance between the extremes of being a snowflake crybaby who gets the vapors over every minor, perceived slight, and those who think that bullying behavior is acceptable. Can't we just be good to each other? I can't understand why that's so challenging for some. Thanks for your input, Dave. ZL