3 ms·

>Even though I think the link between authoritarian institutions and bullying is real, there are too many variables at play to make such a direct assertion. On

>Even though I think the link between authoritarian institutions and bullying is real, there are too many variables at play to make such a direct assertion. On the contrary, the problem is that schools are insufficiently authoritarian. Low-level harassment by students goes unpunished, while outright retaliation (a well-deserved punch in the face) is punished. A lot of schools are in this weird uncanny valley between freedom and strict discipline. Both would create order, but choosing one in between will have the advantages of neither.

kazagistar 13y ago
I am not sure your ideal of perfect authoritarianism is possible. If you want to torment someone it is always going to be possible to do invisibly to casual observation. Restrictions merely determine the language of what harassment consists off, but those who are less well adjusted socially, who are unable to participate as effectively in whatever social maneuvering exists, will always be targeted.
- invalidOrTaken 13y ago
  My impossible idea? I was not the one who coined the phrase "Zero tolerance."
  - ogreyonder 13y ago
    Yes, the idea you espouse. Yours, given that you promoted it. Or do you want to revise your statement?
Zuider 13y ago
That is the paradox of authoritarianism. No matter how comprehensive, it is always possible for an aggressor to fly under the radar and work the system against you. Hell, you don't even have to strike back, you can be singled out for punishment by the authorities simply for being attacked, which marks you out as 'being involved in trouble making'. The actual aggressor will have melted from the scene at this stage, leaving you in the spotlight.
argumentum 13y ago
You have too much belief the authorities in this case will act fairly and in the interest of the vulnerable. From my personal experience (as a frequent "victim" mainly due to skipping a couple grades), I have absolutely zero confidence in this outcome. You're also failing to consider that being under strict authority might itself make people behave worse. You see this in every totalitarian regime, from the Nazis to the Communists and to the Taliban.

kazagistar 13y ago

I am not sure your ideal of perfect authoritarianism is possible. If you want to torment someone it is always going to be possible to do invisibly to casual observation. Restrictions merely determine the language of what harassment consists off, but those who are less well adjusted socially, who are unable to participate as effectively in whatever social maneuvering exists, will always be targeted.

invalidOrTaken 13y ago
My impossible idea? I was not the one who coined the phrase "Zero tolerance."
- ogreyonder 13y ago
  Yes, the idea you espouse. Yours, given that you promoted it. Or do you want to revise your statement?

Zuider 13y ago

That is the paradox of authoritarianism. No matter how comprehensive, it is always possible for an aggressor to fly under the radar and work the system against you. Hell, you don't even have to strike back, you can be singled out for punishment by the authorities simply for being attacked, which marks you out as 'being involved in trouble making'. The actual aggressor will have melted from the scene at this stage, leaving you in the spotlight.

argumentum 13y ago

You have too much belief the authorities in this case will act fairly and in the interest of the vulnerable. From my personal experience (as a frequent "victim" mainly due to skipping a couple grades), I have absolutely zero confidence in this outcome. You're also failing to consider that being under strict authority might itself make people behave worse. You see this in every totalitarian regime, from the Nazis to the Communists and to the Taliban.