World Anti-bullying Week 14 – 18th Nov.
Sometime ago, my son was bullied at school by a peer who was supported by his friends, making it worse for him. The main reason was that they did not like my son’s colour (mixed race colour). He struggled to return to school afterwards. It is really sad to watch any young person go through this. It can have very adverse effects and, in some cases, tragic consequences.
It is even sadder to watch an adult being bullied. Many adults are being bullied daily, particularly those perceived to be different from the norm and those from ethnic minorities. These groups can be bullied for various reasons ranging from skin colour, religion, language, accents, intelligence, know-how, etc. name it! It goes on and on… They could also be bullied for no reason!!!
Bullies are often those who feel threatened in one way or the other. Most times, they are envious of their victims. Other times, they are worried that the status quo they have gotten used to and are now comfortable in may be shifted? Bullying is also a learned behaviour practised over time, unchallenged!
Either way, the bullies succeed when those around them support them knowingly or unknowingly.
How can you help?
Watch out for bullies in your organisations and challenge them. They are domineering and present themselves as matriarchs in their environment.
As matriarchs, they are able to plant seeds in the right places to paint their victims in dark light and gain more allies. This ensures that their bullying goes unchallenged.
So, stand up to the bullies!!! Do not support bullies by ignoring the signs and making the victim the problem!
REACH OUT! STOP BULLIES
Blog by Vivian Okeze – Tirado#antibullyingweek2022#antibullying#education#school#work