Bullying Does Not Happen in a Vacuum

Bullying behaviors do not happen in a vacuum.  They come out of a context.  The context can include the dynamics of the community in which they occur and they can come out of the context of the individual’s external or internal condition.

Some of the dynamics that can be included in the context of the community are the interpersonal relationships of the individuals and groups that make up the community, how the community deals with the behaviors of its members, the way that consequences of appropriate or inappropriate are meted out by the authorities in the community, the perception of the individuals that make up the community by other community members and the authorities in the Community, etc.

Some of the dynamics that come into play regarding the individuals that make up the community can include external factors such as home life, upbringing, accepted mores in the household, family relationships, etc.  Dynamics that can also affect the behaviors of an individual can include internal factors such as illness, lack of sleep, having been hurt by another member of the community, etc.

In other words, bullying behaviors can be motivated by a number of factors at any given time.  Unless the individuals that make up a community can be aware of, be made aware of or are taught how to become aware of that fact, then the chances of healing a relationship damaged by bullying behavior, having the bullying behavior curtailed and having the bullier become as congenial and productive member of the community, become reduced considerably.

Since social behavior is created and influenced holistically, the solution that will minimize or obliterate devaluing behavior needs to be addressed holistically as well.  That concept of a holistic approach holds true for both the community and the individuals that make up the community.  The community itself and its individuals need to be given methods by which they can create an order that can achieve building, maintaining or healing relationships that will make the community a benevolent body.

This can be accomplished by teaching the members of the community processes by which they can develop healthy relationships, see the value in each other and acknowledge the value in each other.  These processes can include teaching communities members how to learn about one another, teaching the individual community members how to develop or find understanding, compassion and empathy and by using those three qualities to arrive at letting go of the need for revenge and bitterness towards the offender.  In another word, “Forgiveness”.

Bullying behavior is holistically created.  In can only be effectively vanquished by addressing its dynamics holistically .


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Bart Dentino

About Bart Dentino

nspired by the realization that demonstrations of respect such as kindness, compassion and empathy can only be spontaneously, consistently and sincerely shown by first developing an understanding of “The Meaning of Respect,” Bart Dentino developed what experts have called a “revolutionary” approach to teaching character education. The Founder of We R 3C™, Bart has been a teaching artist and curriculum consultant for over 25 years. He is well known for his work as a professional songwriter and performer and has received numerous awards for his individual and combined efforts including the American Library Association’s Notable Children’s Recording for the original children’s album, I Wish I Was a Dinosaur. This esteemed award, given on a national level for children’s music and literature, is awarded to only ten artists annually. Throughout the years, Bart’s association with entertaining children and adults has led him to design creative teaching strategies for teachers to use in addressing problem academic areas. His work was featured on the popular educational PBS television show, “Homework Hotline” and Bart was showcased as “innovator in children’s music” on the PBS Video Magazine, “Out on a Whim.” He was designated as a “Friend of Education” by the Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society of teachers who are recognized for their high standards and excellence in education. For the past four years, Bart has been working in the upper New York state area with a unique approach to behavioral education that has achieved much success and acclamation in schools and in other communities. Adults and young people alike have discovered how to allow long term, intrinsic motivation to contribute to their communities in positive, proactive ways. The We R 3C™ program is based on the Founder’s book, Constructing a School Community.

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