Comments on: D’uh

By: RM

RM — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:53:25 +0000

We’re so soft. I weep for the future.

By: Right Girl

Right Girl — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:19:29 +0000

The problem, Terry, is in the definition. Everything is “bullying” nowadays. It is the umbrella term for “normal conflict”, whether it’s between siblings or rival schoolkids. I was bullied A LOT as a kid. My detractors may argue that it has made me the fuckup I am today. Others may argue that it has made me capable of enduring all the hell that life has thrown my way.

By: Terry

Terry — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:07:08 +0000

Growing up with conflicts is a healthy part of everyones life, fighting and losing does build character. Bullying is entirely different. It’s just one sided torment, that can last for many years of school. It can only take away from a childs character. Supporting bullying is pretty sadistic and I don’t see how any parent would.
Also Joe, I think the direct cause of bullying is bad or lazy parenting not the lack of corporal punishment.

By: Joe Molnar

Joe Molnar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:31:08 +0000

The current bullying issue across this country is the direct result of the strap (yes corporal punishment)being taken from elementary school principals.
Pity.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:58 +0000

It’s the same thing with parenting. Siblings fight and argue, and as hard as it is, a parent needs to stay out of it (unless it gets violent or crosses the line). Arguing, fighting, and yes, even being on the receiving end of bullying teaches many valuable lessons and also builds character.

By: ErikTheRed

ErikTheRed — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:09:05 +0000

That’s it! I’m going to go punch a baby!

(no, not really).

By: SUZANNE

SUZANNE — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:11:27 +0000

I can see your point, but I was a bullied kid. Sometimes the situation truly is overwhelming, and objectively speaking, you cannot fight back.

I think if I had had a mentor of some sort, to help me fight back and help me avoid needless behaviours that provoked bullying, that would have helped me. I look back and I can see how I contributed to my being a target.

But I sometimes question all this government intervention in bullying. I really wonder if these programs are really effective in helping kids fight back.

I just think we should teach bullies some manners or make good behaviour a prerequisite for attending school.

By: Cortillaen

Cortillaen — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:08:16 +0000

“You just have to suck it up and learn to deal.”
Better yet, learn to fight back.