Are You A Bully?
Are You a Bully?
The topic of bullying is hard to ignore these days. In fact, a lot of us are probably tired of hearing about it, but if you don’t want to hear about it, then it’s time to join in and put a stop to it. Many of us read or listen to some of the news on bullying, but since we do not think it involves us we do not put a lot of time or thought into the problem. The reality is, some of us are more a part of it than we think. In fact, some of us are the bullies!
“So what is a bully,” you ask? According to Meriam-Webster a bully is: a blustering browbeating person; especially : one habitually cruel to others who are weaker. You are probably saying to yourself; “I don’t pick on people smaller than me. I am not cruel to people, and I don’t even know what a blustering browbeating person is.” That does not mean you are not a bully. Schools and states are making new rules and even laws that define bullying in simpler terms. Have you ever teased someone over and over again? Have you ever intimidated someone to get them to do what you want? Have you ridiculed someone or harassed them? If so you are a bully and being a bully and it is not ok. (Indiana Code 20-33)
Many of us have done things like this, and we excuse it by saying that it was just a joke, or we were just kidding around, but the person on the other end likely doesn’t feel that way. Remember, Mr. Mojo said bullying can be physical, verbal and cyber and they are all unacceptable. Don’t be the person that just jokes around one too many times and helps push someone to their breaking point. Take a stand against bullying by changing your own behavior first, and leading by example to help others do the same.