The Author asked me to write this month about bullies. I
have experience with bullies. Anyone who has read her book about me knows that
Wesley and I (mostly Wesley) got teased and tormented a lot when we were
children. But it’s not only children who suffer from being bullied.
Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some use the
obvious tactics of physical abuse of someone smaller or often younger. However,
in your world, bullies have more sinister ways of torturing others. A bully is
no longer the oversized brute who shoves you to the ground. With all the
technology you possess, bullies operate from afar and use their words to
inflict pain on others.
Bullies, in general, seem to have self-esteem issues. They
must, of course. Why else would they feel the need to abuse or tear down
someone who cannot or will not fight back. Bullies in your world are so much
worse. Some attack for the pleasure of being able to do so without fear of
reprisal. Your internet is full of these mean spirited little people. And where
the oversized brute in the school yard has his minions, who blindly follow him
and pile on whenever he attacks, your internet bullies needs no such
companions. It seems that there are always those who are just waiting to jump
on and add their harsh judgements and abusive comments, often without knowing
the true situation and always without thinking of the consequences for those
being attacked.
If I, Marabella, daughter of Mara and Geremiah, am attacked
by a bully, I can defend myself. I find a precisely thrown rock or well-placed
kick to the head can disarm and dissuade further abuse. With your internet,
there are no such options. Any rebuttal from the one targeted is too often met
with more criticism and abuse. And the little bullies just keep piling on with
more and more mean comments. It is quite sad, cowardly, and terribly shameful.
The Author told me of an incident she recently witnessed. A
small local business was targeted by an internet bully with too much time on
her hands. She criticized the way this business operated and made inflammatory
remarks about a staff member. In no time at all, there were dozens of little
bullies bashing the business and the staffer with things unrelated and
completely out of context. When the business issued a comment, the bullies
attacked like a pack of wild dogs. The attempt to address actual concerns was
met with more inflammatory remarks and criticism. Finally, some supporters
rallied to defend the staffer and the business. But damage had been done. This
type of damage effects the small business and the staff member. It can affect
their income, which effects their ability to pay rent and provide for their
families. I have also heard of too many instances of bullying that resulted in
the targeted person becoming so upset and despondent that they actually harm
themselves. That is so sad.
I guess what I really want to say is DON’T BE A BULLY! And
please do not support those small minded tyrants by adding to a tirade that you
know little or nothing about. Do stick up for those being bullied whether in
person or on the internet.
