Bully

From ArticleWorld

A bully is an individual who harasses another, usually weaker, person in either a physical or mental fashion. The bully behaves in an aggressive manner repeatedly over time in a situation where there is an imbalance of power. It can have catastrophic effects on the victim such as suicide, nervous breakdowns and having to leave a job or neighbourhood.

Bullying can be direct, which is more common with male bullies, or indirect, which is the preferred manner of female bullies and young children. The latter method involves socially isolating the victim by insidious techniques such as spreading gossip and criticism of dress, race, religion, etc, or by harassing those who socialize with the target.

Common characteristics

Bullies are everywhere - in schools, the workplace, in families and in neighbourhoods. They feel the need to have power and to be in control; they enjoy the suffering of others and may actually blame the victim for the predicament he or she is in. Bullies are created because of their upbringing which may include physical punishment, abuse, lack of parental warmth and support of the use of violence as a way of solving problems.

Because of their home life, they are usually antisocial and disobedient and are, more than often, loners. They usually misinterpret the attitudes of others and may interpret hostility where none exists.

Effects of bullying

Victims of bullying may become clinically depressed or anxious and suffer from low self-esteem. They may have physical symptoms such as gastric problems or various aches and pains. They may turn to drugs or alcohol, their relationships with others may suffer and, in more severe cases, turn to self-harm or suicide.

The cost are not only individual but also on the environment in which it is taking place. For example, a school may have high levels of truancy and a high staff turnover. In the workplace, there will be a lessening of morale and more sick leave taken for conditions such as depression and anxiety, with the corresponding decrease in productivity and profit.