Thoughts on Bullying

Posted in Philosophy of Education on Jan 19, 2010 - 07:55 PM

Recently I listened to a discussion on the Diane Rehm show that centered on bullying in school and showcased some of Carl Pickhardt's theory on why bullying takes place and how it is possible. It was fascinating. You can listen to this segment here.

In public school, it is wrong to bully. Often times when a bully is discovered in a class of children, there will be some sort of sit-down talk. The bully might be told that it is not okay to do what he or she is doing to other children, and that if bullying is being used to achieve some goal, then there are surely other ways one can go about meeting that goal without harming others. Most times some sort of further repercussion is dealt to the bully as well.

Anyhow, during the show a man called in and spoke about how he feels that in our nation's society, bullying and teasing are used daily as a means to achieve certain goals. He discussed how it is no surprise that our children are resulting to bullying when such a practice is being deployed by adults all around us day by day. Whether in politics, competitive business, or even having the coolest Christmas lights on the block, bullying does seem rather abundant in and outside the schoolyard by adults and children alike.

But what do you think? Does it seem rather obvious that the people of our nation use bullying, teasing, and other forms of lowering other peoples stature to meet certain ends?

Is it ever okay to use bullying to put oneself at a better place?

Is there a connection between the current atmosphere of our nation and the bullying that takes place between our youth in schools?

Personally, I feel that bullying is not an appropriate route to take in order to further one's well being. No matter how different people are, nor at what rate of speed people catch on or complete tasks, I believe that a cooperative community where individuals' strengths and weaknesses are embraced and used as a collective effort to meet certain ends is most appropriate. Although sometimes taking a route where everyone is treated fairly and listened to respectfully may take longer than other options, nobody gets left out. It is more likely that everyone will feel included in the effort that was made to complete whatever task was at hand, and thus is more likely to walk away satisfied and feeling like they had an important role in getting from point A to B. And to me, a society of people who feel satisfied about the things that they do, especially when working cooperatively, is a society I envision as favorable.

I do think that bullying is a common practice in our nation, by adults and children. I also think that there is a strong connection between the atmosphere of our nation and the bullying that takes place in schools. There seems to be a lot of contradictory lessons between what is taught in school -- that is, that bullying is unacceptable -- and the lessons that are readily available through television, magazines, and the Internet. These models of bullying affect not only the children, but the adults as well. If people learn in school that bullying is wrong but regularly see it celebrated all around them, whom are they to believe?

Your thoughts would be a pleasure to read, if you feel like sharing.

Tags for this entry:
youth-adult relationships, bullying, behavior and consequences, cooperation, carl pickhardt

Comment using your Facebook account: