Bullies were a big part of my childhood. I assumed they grew out of it as I grew out of my own insecurities and a need to conform. But I met a bully at a party a few weeks ago. (Technically she was a cougar, but her behavior rivals any of the badass toughs from my elementary school.) I see bullies in my workplace and on the bus. Bullies are making policy and jockeying for power in our government. They are unashamed and relentless in the assertion of their own correctness. And social media taps into our deepest bullying tendencies: Vote for my candidate. Hate this. Like this. Friend me. Join my group. Listen to this music. Where does that confidence come from? Actual bulls get a bad rap. They're quite gentle if left alone. You can even pet one if you're not waving a red flag in his face or trying to put him between two sesame seed buns. I wish I had known this earlier.
Comments