Bullying is a major problem in our society and it continues to get worse. There are many levels to bullying, some are very extremist and others are more subtle. But either way you look at it, it is still bullying. And the bullying needs to stop. But how can it, when everyone from children on the playground to certain parental units engage in this activity on a daily basis. Hell, our own government engages in bullying tactics when they are the ones who are supposed to be rallying against it.

We have all either been the victim of bullying tactics or we ourselves have done it someone else. We may not even be aware of the fact that we are doing it. And yet when it is brought to our attention we react in this manner

“I didn’t know I was doing anything like that. How was I supposed to know that I was doing anything wrong?”

The new way of thinking.

Now are we really being that naïve or are we just playing dumb, in hopes that we will get sympathy for our actions”? If we have parental units  that have exhibited that kind of behavior, then some of that we are bound to pick up on. Kids pick up a lot and at a very young age. As parents we may not feel that any damage will be done, but by thinking this way we are doing a disservice to ourselves and others, most especially the kids. Some say that bullying is just a phase, but is it really? Or is it just a prequel to what will come in the future?

Is bullying just a phase or the new way to do business?

As someone who used to be bullied endlessly, due to my sexuality, as well as other things, I can tell you that it is a devastating thing.  Some might say that it’s just teasing and yes teasing is a natural thing. Getting teased is all a part of life and growing up. But there comes a point when it does cross the line.

An example of when it crosses the line?

Take a look at retail and how they do business. When things first started out, the employees came first. Now the money comes first and at any cost. The employees are bullied into certain business practices, in order to keep their jobs. The customers are bullied into offers that may not want or need. It becomes a vicious cycle in the end. The only way to survive in certain businesses is to succumb to the tactics or leave.  The business world used to be a kinder and gentler place. Now it’s become a giant playground for bullies who never grew up.

The mirror reflected back.

The next time you look in the mirror take a good long look at yourself, especially if you have put someone down or made someone feel inferior to yourself.  This happens even when we aren’t thinking about it. Instead of giving into what the crowd is doing, ask yourself “How can I make myself a better person? What can I do to limit the chaos that is happening in my life, as well as others?”

Some say bullying is just a phase, but it looks to me like it’s become a way of life. We each need to do our part to combat the situation. We can only rely on ourselves and our actions, not anyone else.