Bullies in the system (affecting all walks of life)

Rob Bernshaw

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist

What constitutes or defines a bully?

The definition of bully according to the worldwide web definition is the following:


bul·ly 
/ˈbo͝olē/

Noun

1. A person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.
2. Corned beef.

Verb
Use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

Adjective
Very good; first-rate
Exclamation
An expression of admiration or approval: "he got away—bully for him".
Synonyms
splendid - dandy


As one may notice in the above definition the word ‘Bully’ in and of itself does not always refer to a negative or unsocial like behavior but does also refer to good positive outcomes as well.

For example Corned Beef as many will attest is a very nutritious and delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner or any other occasion where people gather to socialize and food is consumed.

Here is a related link to a recipe where Bully Beef(corned beef) is used as a simple, affordable dish in many Caribbean households for one example of the many world wide uses for this positive source and use of the word ‘Bully’.

www.jcskitchen.com/r-10664-bully-beef

Now that we have found out the word ‘Bully’ in and of itself is not detrimental to ones progression let us delve a little deeper as to why a person, group, or organization(whether private or governmental) would fit into the category labeled as ‘Bully or Bullies’ in our society.

This term designating one as a ’Bully’ has spanned many generations and will continue to do so until such a time as one develops a zero tolerance attitude towards the negative effects that a “Bully or Bullies” have on our personal and community well being.

Zero Tolerance does not necessarily mean exclusion but it does mean there needs to be more awareness around this very sensitive issue facing our society today.

There is a huge cost involved when the negative aspects of the term ‘Bully’ are allowed to flourish and thrive among the populace of the day and those costs are not acceptable nor condoned by individuals, societies or the many diverse cultures of the day.

There are many great sources of informative material to help educate all people about the negative effects caused by individuals or groups that take on the name of ‘Bully or Bullies’ directly or indirectly causing harm to other individuals or segments of society no matter what cultural or socioeconomic background one is from.

www.publicsafety.gc.ca/res/cp/bully_4211-eng.aspx

Rotary International has a four way test that could be adopted by all to help promote a better understanding and compassion to ones perceived as weak or helpless.

The Four-Way Test 

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? 

- www.rotary.org/en/aboutus/rotaryinternational/guidingprinciples/pages/ridefault.aspx

The following may be too graphic for some people but it actually happens in the real world around us.
Now as human beings we are supposed to be of a higher order than the animals and birds around us but our actions sometime disprove that assumption.

In regards to perceived weakness and helplessness let us take a look at the world of the local barnyard poultry flock on many rural farms dotting the picturesque rural countryside. As a small boy growing up in the rural farming community of  Glenwood in southern Alberta, observed a phenomenon that had me riveted on the spot not knowing what to do or how to solve what was happening amongst the flock of chickens pecking to death one of their own.

Now could the flock of chickens in question be construed as being ‘Bullies’ or were they doing what comes natural to them and that is culling out the members that are perceived to be weak, helpless and of no good to the future progression of the flock? Therefore perceived of little or no value to the rest of the flock. By the time the  lack of movement was overcome by the will to do something it was too late and the helpless chicken amidst the healthy members of the flock was no more. After they pecked this poor chicken to death they went on about their daily ritual of  pecking on the ground and feeding themselves as usual, as if nothing had happened ignoring the dead chicken laying on the ground as there was nothing there and nothing had happened.

The only thing left for this small boy to do was to clean up and remove the chicken laying dead on the ground. The lesson learned from that observation was that we as human beings are not animals and need to be more understanding and compassionate to what is different in others and to celebrate that difference not peck it to death as a ‘bully or Bullies’ of the day are currently doing.
There are many tools that are being used to inflict damage to others as the mouth or beak is only one of many in the repertoire of the ‘Bully or Bullies’ plying their misunderstanding, power hungry attitude to the perceived weaker members of our society.

With increased awareness of the people around us and what they are doing would be the first step in the process of Stopping the Bullying in our schools, in the public domain, in our workplaces and in our homes. Also it would help us to be more cognizant of the fact that Bullying is non-partisan in nature and impartial on who they harasses in their quest for dominance over the perceived weakness of others.

We need to step forward and be counted as people that stand up for the weaker members of our society at the risk of becoming a Bully ourselves. We need to do what is right and defend the members of society that are being perceived as weaker and march forward doing the right protecting others as we go forward.


Here is a video regarding the Arizona's Queen Creek High football team stepping up and protecting a special needs student from Bullying by people that perceived Chy Johnson  as helpless and a weaker member of our society.

The members of the football team are setting a very good example of doing the right thing and changing the rules of the high school hierarchy.

Let us take the lead in our communities and start protecting instead of ignoring or walking away from the very real danger of Bullying in all areas of our society. Let us go above and beyond in order to make a real concerted effort to promote a safer environment for all around us and Stop the Bullying.

Quote
“Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right.” 

~Theodore Roosevelt (spent his Dash from October 27, 1858 -January 06, 1919) twenty-sixth President of the United States 

more to come...