Bullying has no place, anywhere or at any time

Why is it that every school start week, bullying becomes, yet again, a part of a raising awareness campaign? You’d think decades of discussions about the ills of bullying would be enough to curb this senseless/selfish act — both in schools, workplaces, online and in all other corners of society. But, sadly, it isn’t. Enough with the bullying already. Seriously. People of all ages need to check themselves before they wreck themselves. Bullying has no place, anywhere or at any time. It seems like common sense, but this topic of discussion keeps coming up, and for good reason.

A bully, no matter why a bully does it, is a burden on society. A bully, maybe has a back story to tell, but their current story should be all about seeking mental health help and not be enabled to continue this vicious cycle, by anyone. It’s sick, twisted, old news and should be eradicated throughout the world, but it isn’t. It’s a symptom of underlying issues, no doubt, much like most negative aspects of society. There’s a root cause at the bottom of everything. So, it is important to address these mental health-related issues before they get out of hand and hurt someone — emotionally, mentally and/or physically. Stop bullies in their tracks — stand up for those being bullied and, if need be, tell someone about it — so something can be done about bullying before its effects trickle down, out and beyond control.

Bad role models are everywhere. Online, in politics, in sports, in schools, at work, at home, on the street, and pretty much everywhere you look. Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, ages, etc. Merriam-Webster describes a bully as: “a blustering, browbeating person — especially: one who is habitually cruel, insulting or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller or in some way vulnerable.” But, bullying goes much deeper than that. Maybe it’s the way in which one views the world or how they perceive someone or something to be.

Derogatory/racist/sexist/homophobic/politically incorrect language, slurs, views and opinions are ways a person can exhibit being a bully. And, it must stop. It’s 2021, and as the world turns, so should the way the world works.

What if the one being bullied were to compare their bully to a negative stereotype the bully may take offence to? How would that feel? What if the bully were to be bullied, taunted and tormented until they cried or fell down into a fetal position on the ground or worse? Again, bullying has no place, anywhere or at any time. Period. It’s time the world wakes up to see bullying remains an International problem that needs to be addressed again and again. But many times, it just gets swept under the carpet.

A bully is a scourge, a bane of one’s existence (if they are the one being bullied), a curse, a menace to society — a plague. Sure, this could be over-the-top or melodramatic — but, if the shoe fits, wear it. This editorial, in essence, could be judgemental and/or being mean-spirited towards an individual with mental health needs, that need to be met. Yeah, that’s right. When one sees the act of bullying — act on it, address it, don’t let it slide. Be proactive in what seems like an endless battle against one of the oldest afflictions in the books. Bullying is indeed an underlying health issue, and it can be a symptom of something much more dire. Nip it in the bud people.

Today is the day to stop bullying in its tracks. Just do it. It’s plain and simple. Make the world a better place for young and old. And, don’t forget to take a look in the mirror, as you too may be the one bullying from time to time and are oblivious to the fact. Together, bullies can be put in their place and the healing can begin for the ones being bullied — before things get out of hand.