Over the past few weeks it has been virtually impossible to access any sports related website without seeing a headline about bullying. Jonathan Martin left the Dolphins football team due to bullying from Richie Incognito. Incognito claims that he believed that the things he said and did to Martin was only a joke and that was just how the culture of the locker room. After more investigation, the news released statements from Martin to Incognito saying that he was going to kill Incognito's family. Doesn't that make both of them in the wrong? It makes me wonder if bullying is a two-way street?
I think this is why bullying is so hard to stop. It's so complex. It kind of just depends on who's perspective it is in. One guy thought it was a joke while the other one did not.
I feel like the phrase "we were only joking" comes up a lot with bullying discussions. I'm not sure why but people seem to think if it' a joke, it doesn't hurt. I like the idea that if the other person isn't laughing, then it is probably not funny to them. Even if the person the 'joke' was directed at thinks it's funny, those around and listening could also feel bullied. People need to be more socially aware of the reactions of those around them.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! Bullying is so complex and difficult to really understand, and that's why it's always been such a problem. I wouldn't say all bullying is a two way street, but I can see that happening quite often. It basically seems like a question of an instigator and a retaliation situation. It's hard to say, that's for sure.
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