By:Runa Sayeed (Editor)
Standing up for principle–and standing up for yourself– is important, especially if you know you don’t deserve someone’s negative comments and/or behavior. We know that many people feel powerless when they encounter bullying in the workplace, even when they aren’t.
Our deep desire to belong coupled with our fear of rejection can trigger our vulnerability and override our better judgement.
Ever get backed into a corner with people accusing you of things that just aren’t true? Constructive feedback is one thing, but false accusations are completely different….and needless to say, bad. Period. And in response to false accusations, you absolutely MUST be able to defend yourself. If you are ever judged or accused of anything wrongly–whatever circumstance this may be, whether it be by a family member, a friend, a fellow student, a teacher, a boss, a colleague, a doctor, someone on the Internet, That we’ll be further humiliated. That we’ll be ostracised by friends, family or co-workers. That we’ll have to deal with an ugly fall out. Maybe even lose our job. That we’ll make a scene. –you have a voice to express yourself (within reason, of course) either verbally and/or in writing. Use it! Don’t ever let anyone take that away from you!
There are many things you can do if you’re being bullied. Different strategies can work in different situations. If a teacher, boss or colleague is bullying you and/or creating an environment that is uncomfortable for you, tell them how you feel and escalate if attempts to reason with them lead to a dead end. If you are being bullied at school, find a trusted teacher (or past teacher), school psychologist, guidance counselor, or administrator with whom you can speak. If you are being bullied at work, seek out a supervisor or a human resources manager.
If you are a student and you find yourself being the target of a bully, don’t relinquish control to them. Don’t let them know that you are intimidated or bothered by them. It’s important, first of all, to unplug (from social media). That gives them less weapons for attacking. Be familiar with your state laws concerning bullying. Make sure you tell multiple individuals, including your parents.
If you are a new mom that is having difficulty breastfeeding and/or wish to supplement with formula (or want to feed your baby formula, period), and lactation consultants, doctors or anyone else who tries to make you feel guilty about that decision, then tell them to back off. Tell them that how you feed your baby is YOUR choice to make (with your significant other, if applicable).
Do not endeavor to undertake this on your own or think that by simply walking away or ignoring it will make it stop. No one deserves to be bullied. None of this is your fault. The bully is the one with the issue, not you.
Remember that everyone has the right to live, work, study and play in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. No one deserves or asks to be bullied.
