There seems to be some disagreement as to what defines 'bullying'. Please select from the list below what you think is involved in an act of bullying. Thank you.

You can choose as many options as you like. Please include commentary or additional options below. Thank you.

This post was last modified: 04-14-2010 09:27 PM by Fnord.

Being terrorised to make you "conform" or do
the terrorist's bidding.

Aggressive harassment or tort action against an individual or group with at least three possible motives: 1) to entice the target to behave a certain way, 2) to usurp something that target party has which the bullying party wants, or 3) to experience a thrill observing somebody else's misfortune or suffering.

Exaples of each:

#1 Treatment at military boot camp
#2 A boy hurting his younger brother because he wants his younger brother's toy
#3 Explains the motive of most school bullying; especially in the higher grades.  Workplace bullying can be of this type is well, but could also typically be the #2 motive as described.

It does not matter if one was wrong or right - it is never nice to ridicule. (base word of ridiculous)

and Being ridiculed for being wrong.*  1 12.50%
Being ridiculed for your feelings.*  2 25.00%
Being beaten, cursed or insulted.*

This is a tough subject because it's filled with gray areas because of when it's okay to do something and when it's not okay. Like teasing for example. That isn't always bullying. There is playful teasing and there is hurtful teasing where people make fun of someone to make them feel bad.

Ignoring is another example because it's a form of bullying but it also depends. Like if someone is bugging you, giving you trouble, ignoring them is okay.

I have also heard giving the silent treatment is a form of bullying. This is something I do. Sometimes when people upset me, I don't want to talk to them. I want to avoid them like a plague. It's more of a defense mechanism for me and a coping mechanism. I guess some people might view this as bullying and manipulation. I would say silent treatments also depends.

The spreading of false rumors about oneself may need to be included as well in this list, I think...

The last 4 definitely. Ignoring can be when it is intended as a way to "punish" someone.

A couple people in this thread could just look in the mirror and there would be their definition.

I voted for the last option for IRL bullying only

All good ideas. Unfortunately, the system only allows for 10 options.

It amazes me how some people have no idea how they treat others. I will never understand people like that.

The last four.

That is the pot calling the kettle black. It does get old.

I felt very bullied or harassed by Fnord at WP when I was aspiartist and it ultimately got me banned because I reacted to it. Very manipulative stuff on the part of certain characters. Forums have been a bad experience for me and have thrown me back into old traumatic stuff from my childhood when I was bullied in school. And now again at this site and more at Intensity2. I can't deal with it and won't be here much longer.