I genuinely think the word 'bullying' is part of why the thing is perpetuated and so easily goes unpunished even when noticed. As you say, it's a school playground word. And this undermines the misery and sadism of the phenomenon in adult life. Call it abuse: that is what it is. Or find an even stronger word.
yes, I appreciate you raising the limitations of the word. I think "abuse of power" feels apt. I guess for me the advantage of the word "bullying" is that -- despite its baggage -- it does bring a clarifying lens to what's actually happening. Before naming it in that way, even to ourselves, we can feel lost in a fog of confusion, blaming ourselves, rather than seeing that we are the target of abuse. But yes, I also see that the word is far from perfect. Would be curious to hear suggestions for alternatives.
I genuinely think the word 'bullying' is part of why the thing is perpetuated and so easily goes unpunished even when noticed. As you say, it's a school playground word. And this undermines the misery and sadism of the phenomenon in adult life. Call it abuse: that is what it is. Or find an even stronger word.
yes, I appreciate you raising the limitations of the word. I think "abuse of power" feels apt. I guess for me the advantage of the word "bullying" is that -- despite its baggage -- it does bring a clarifying lens to what's actually happening. Before naming it in that way, even to ourselves, we can feel lost in a fog of confusion, blaming ourselves, rather than seeing that we are the target of abuse. But yes, I also see that the word is far from perfect. Would be curious to hear suggestions for alternatives.
Printable alternatives, presumably?
haha