In these days of headlines about bullying at school, trolling online and a primary season that often sounds like a middle school playground, there is a related problem that is largely ignored.
Adult bullies are operating every day in the public square. And they get away with it because of their political, economic or other kinds of power over colleagues who may become part of the bullying. Those bullied don’t know what to do to stop it or choose to just ignore the behavior.
We have all seen examples of this: political candidates who belittle whole classes of people; colleagues who disparage the work of others – generally when they are not there to respond; the self-important committee member who obtains a leadership position then proceeds to control rather than lead; the “mean girls” (not necessarily young or female) who exclude others from the table, the group or whatever.
And then there are the bystanders who, either through their involvement or their silence, allow these behaviors to continue. There are policies in many work places to protect us from bullying bosses and coworkers. Online sites are increasingly policing their comments sections to prevent these activities. But in the public square, we have only each other to protect us. I urge you to pay attention and take action to let these bullies know that their behavior will not be tolerated. We will all be better for it.
Elaine Frank
Newport