Hello everyone, I hope that you all had a good valentines day! I figured after all the mushiness and love of the valentines holiday it would be a good idea to discuss a topic that features none of that fun stuff! That's right, bullying!
Oh the humanity! Why Coco why! Don't give these insecure, selfish, and destructive people a moment of time is what your probably thinking! But unfortunately for things to change or to at least become noticed, somebody needs to talk about it...
Everyone has encountered a bully at some point in their lives, whether it be a parent forcing their kids to eat veggies and foods that they don't enjoy (yes its bullying), misguided individuals that shove their personal beliefs and practices down peoples throats, and the worst of all, people that actually like to shove their FIST down peoples throats...
So, why do people bully and how can we as humankind prevent this form of dominating our own will onto others from occurring at such an alarming rate?!
First, lets focus a bit on why it is that people bully? Well besides from the fact they are usually insecure and feel the need to gain satisfaction with themselves by controlling others; there are many additional causes as to what can make a bully act so inconsiderately. For example, sometimes they may not even know that they are being a bully! There are many times when people force things on others unknowingly and their intentions may be well placed, but whatever it is they are doing is not being effectively reciprocated.
One surefire way to make sure that this type of bullying does not happen so often is to speak up! If you feel like you are being bullied by someone, do not just hold it in and wait for that person to continue their behavior; Kindly pull that person aside and let them know how it makes you feel. Sometimes a simple "hey I don't like when you do that" is enough to let a person know that what they are doing is violating you and can cause them to stop.
Another reason that some people bully, is because they have been bullied themselves. One thing that we usually never consider is that many bullies are victims of bullying! This does not mean, "hey let's all feel sorry for bullies" (because there is no excuse to do harm to others), but what it means is that we should not take it so personally if we are targeted by a bully. Realize that it is not your fault, you don't deserve it, and there is nothing wrong with you, but there is something wrong with that person. When you change your perception of seeing the bully as being the weak one, a bit of that anger inside is extinguished, and you can stop allowing their insecurities to become your insecurities.
Last but not least how do we help prevent bullying from becoming such a dominant part of our culture and society? The best way that I can think of is to keep talking about it! Do not allow yourself or someone you love to suffer this struggle alone. With social media being so prevalent, and a place where people can commit "cyber bullying," it can also be a source to voice our emotions and seek help from friends and family about someone who is causing trouble in our lives. Get advise about how to handle a bully because each situation is different. Tell a family member, co-worker, or friend and get their opinions and help. But what ever you do, do not suffer alone!
Bullying is an extreme problem and it can scar a person for life, only with lots of therapy and hope from God have I known people to fully recover from these terrible acts. So lets prevent this from happening as much as we can. Talk about it if you are a victim, help to end it if you are a friend, and by all means STOP what you are doing and seek some serious counseling if you are a bully!
Until next time, Adios!
