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I hope you don't mean physically fighting, because we adults can earn an assault charge real quick. Likewise, the bully wants the victim to respond over the top

I hope you don't mean physically fighting, because we adults can earn an assault charge real quick. Likewise, the bully wants the victim to respond over the top because it cements their power over them. Even the 8 year old in the playground is at a disadvantage. The mentality of the bully is to quietly dominate the weaker out of authority and regulatory sight. They want the victim to blow your top publicly, because all the trouble falls upon said victim. The alternative is reporting behavior problems to the proper authorities, which depends greatly on how serious they treat the problem. If they are lax or ineffective, then there isn't any recourse for the victim except to remove themselves from the entire organization or field. This becomes greatly compounded when the bully is in a position of power over the victim. Reporting the behavior might put the victim's job in jeopardy. Raising awareness of the problem allows other victims, and their allies, to realize they aren't alone in their struggle. It also allows organizations to evaluate their reporting mechanisms to see if they are effective in responding to intimidating behavior. Is awareness effective? Unfortunately not always. However we should encourage strong reporting mechanisms in our institutions to allow the victims some recourse.

yogo 13y ago
No, I mean fight in the generic sense. Whether it's a lawsuit, from a boss, etc. it's all really the same. Someone does something and they get away with it, and naturally that pattern continues (it's probably human nature at that point). The main reason for my "nip it in the bud" philosophy is because I fear that when it gets bad victims might react in an extreme way.
- mandelbulb 13y ago
  Did you even read, let alone understand JamesLeonis' post? Bullying, by definition, arises from a powerful position onto a weaker victim. However, reversed situations exist as well. Power in this case doesn't have to be social power, like a higher job position or higher popularity. It can also be a more powerful personality e.g., due to better eloquence or more aggressive attitude. That is why in so many if not most case gaining your own allies who are aware of the issue is the only solution beside ignoring or fleeing.
spiritplumber 13y ago
No, some people only understand pain. Try everything else first, but if it's the only way, to the pain it is.

yogo 13y ago

No, I mean fight in the generic sense. Whether it's a lawsuit, from a boss, etc. it's all really the same. Someone does something and they get away with it, and naturally that pattern continues (it's probably human nature at that point). The main reason for my "nip it in the bud" philosophy is because I fear that when it gets bad victims might react in an extreme way.

mandelbulb 13y ago
Did you even read, let alone understand JamesLeonis' post? Bullying, by definition, arises from a powerful position onto a weaker victim. However, reversed situations exist as well. Power in this case doesn't have to be social power, like a higher job position or higher popularity. It can also be a more powerful personality e.g., due to better eloquence or more aggressive attitude. That is why in so many if not most case gaining your own allies who are aware of the issue is the only solution beside ignoring or fleeing.

spiritplumber 13y ago

No, some people only understand pain. Try everything else first, but if it's the only way, to the pain it is.