Stopping Bullies in Their Tracks

If you've never had a brush with a bully, consider yourself lucky.

But consider yourself unusual, also, for most of us have had at least some encounters along the way with people who thought it was cool to push others around.  Using an arsenal of "weapons" (fists, taunts, threats, rumors, gestures, online posts, etc.), bullies have been tormenting people for ages--on junior high school bus stops, in high school locker rooms, at parties, in workplaces, on Facebook pages, or pretty much anywhere else those with crummy egos act out.

While being bothered by bullies is never pleasant, most people manage to handle their situation without too much drama.  They change their routine, report the problem to someone who can intervene, or adopt behaviors that minimize contact with the toxic personalities plaguing them.

But not everyone copes successfully.  People harassed by bullies sometimes do desperate things, like running away, dropping out of school, or even taking their own lives.  And on occasion, victims sometimes try to turn the tables on bullies, lashing out at those who've hurt them, often with tragic consequences. 

If there's any good news about bullying, it's that the world has at long last recognized its seriousness and begun to take action.  Anti-bullying campaigns are the norm at many schools, elementary through high school.  Since bullying is also part of higher ed's landscape, many colleges also address the topic.

Nassau is no exception.  Tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in the Tower (11th floor), NCC's "Conversations about College" series will present a program devoted to understanding and responding to bullying.  The session will be presented by Craig Wright, NCC's affirmative action officer, and will focus not only on why bullying happens but what people can do about it.

Even if you're not being bullied, you should make it your business to attend.  Chances are you'll hear something that will add to your understanding of this shabby behavior--including why people become bullies in the first place.  More importantly, you'll come away with some strategies for helping others (especially those being targeted) stop bullies in their tracks.

There's no place on college campuses or anywhere else for that matter for people who take pleasure in menacing others.  But the only way the bullies of the world will behave differently is if the rest of us let them know their antics won't be tolerated.

So stop by the Tower tomorrow and learn what you can do.  Putting a stop to bullying is everyone's business, including yours and mine.