facepalm
Nothing I said was actively wrong; insofar as children make pariahs of one another, market-based counterbullying measures will not work. Case in point: we invented "Forrest germs" and would not touch things after the kid had touched them. (Not one of my prouder moments.) His only real option was changing schools, which he couldn't swing until Senior year. He wasn't gay (or even particularly effeminate) so I'd say that an adult-response is called for in many situations.
Originally posted by Zampanó
facepalmNothing I said was actively wrong; insofar as children make pariahs of one another, market-based counterbullying measures will not work. Case in point: we invented "Forrest germs" and would not touch things after the kid had touched them. (Not one of my prouder moments.) His only real option was changing schools, which he couldn't swing until Senior year. He wasn't gay (or even particularly effeminate) so I'd say that an adult-response is called for in many situations.
Unless there's physical abuse going on, why not let kids handle their own business? If it's an internet thing, I see it even less of a reason to intervene because of the even playing field.
Originally posted by mexiCANT
Unless there's physical abuse going on, why not let kids handle their own business? If it's an internet thing, I see it even less of a reason to intervene because of the even playing field.
Verbal or psychological abuse is every bit as effective if not moreso. If anything, physical abuse may be easier to deal with because it's so obvious, and a child being abused in such a way will illicit help without crying out for it.
While a child who is being harassed or tormented non-physically may be too embarassed or even feel at fault and not come forth to get help. Kids do stupid things all the time due to lack of experience and judgment. Advocating the idea of them "sorting it out" implies a clear lack of understanding of how children think.
Go watch The Lord of the Flies and then come back.
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Verbal or psychological abuse is every bit as effective if not moreso. If anything, physical abuse may be easier to deal with because it's so obvious, and a child being abused in such a way will illicit help without crying out for it.
While a child who is being harassed or tormented non-physically may be too embarassed or even feel at fault and not come forth to get help. Kids do stupid things all the time due to lack of experience and judgment. Advocating the idea of them "sorting it out" implies a clear lack of understanding of how children think.Go watch The Lord of the Flies and then come back. [/B]
Originally posted by mexiCANTIt isn't. It seems emotional "tough skin" is harder to come by than the literal stuff. Punching a kid in the gut, throwing him up against the wall, making him bleed... that's "okay" but for God's sake don't call him gay on Twitter.
If you're getting physically abused by a stronger opponent or multiple opponents, how is that easier to deal with than someone insulting you through facebook or twitter or making dirty comments about you?
Originally posted by Lord LucienThank You. My lord, thank god this sissy generation didn't happen during my adolescence. I was happy enough to take beatings, fight back in some, come back the next day and do it again. Part of growing up. At least these kids today have an even playing field on the internet. Go ahead, troll about me being gay. I'll shut off your electricity. Eye for an eye, there we go.
It isn't. It seems emotional "tough skin" is harder to come by than the literal stuff. Punching a kid in the gut, throwing him up against the wall, making him bleed... that's "okay" but for God's sake don't call him gay on Twitter.
Originally posted by Lord LucienAmusingly, you never hear the media report of the kids who fight back against bullies, because that's not controversial enough. We need to elicit an emotional response because we all know emotional irrationality helps us sleep better at night.
Fingers crossed for kids to stop killing themselves for being picked on. The more that stuff's in the news the more we'll be hearing about the anti-bullying campaign. A crusade against a method is a waste of effort.
Originally posted by ares834
YAY! Social Darwinism at it's best.
Did someone call for my friend and yours, Herbert Spencer?