I already know this is going to turn into “It’s the liberal’s fault” by some stupid ass that got to bring up politics with every conversation.
It seems that passivity is taught in schools and by parents. “Ignore the bullies, they’ll go away when you don’t give them the reaction they want.” Never understood that. No matter what you’re being attacked for, whether it’s your religious beliefs, your sexual orientation, you’re different from others in any sort way, the taught response is to ignore them. I honestly think this is complete bullshit. Passivity doesn’t make the bully go away, it encourages him that there will be no consequence for his actions and will continue to do it. I’m all for confrontation.
Confrontation is one of those words where people immediately think “Aggression” or “fist fight”. And true, that is a result of a lot of confrontations. More often than not, it isn’t. Teaching passivity really lowers kid’s self esteem, and if they bolden up while older, it will be much harder for them to stick up for themselves confidently, or they may go overboard and result to violence when not necessary. Confrontation skills need to be taught by parents and teachers. How to confidently and respectfully stick up for yourself in a way that discourages disrespect and bullying, but doesn’t cross the line into violence that’s out of proportion.
The rationale is always “There’ll be an authority figure you can go to.” There’s multiple things wrong with this. Often the authority figures just plain don’t care. If you’re an inner city neighborhood, going to cops paints a target on your head for retaliation, even by people you don’t know. It’s not as simple as “move out of the hood.” Being from North Philly, I’ve got first hand experience. Suburban people are starting to adopt the “no snitching” attitude and will retaliate as well.
Self defense and proper confrontation skills need to be taught, and that’s all I honestly need to say.
It seems that passivity is taught in schools and by parents. “Ignore the bullies, they’ll go away when you don’t give them the reaction they want.” Never understood that. No matter what you’re being attacked for, whether it’s your religious beliefs, your sexual orientation, you’re different from others in any sort way, the taught response is to ignore them. I honestly think this is complete bullshit. Passivity doesn’t make the bully go away, it encourages him that there will be no consequence for his actions and will continue to do it. I’m all for confrontation.
Confrontation is one of those words where people immediately think “Aggression” or “fist fight”. And true, that is a result of a lot of confrontations. More often than not, it isn’t. Teaching passivity really lowers kid’s self esteem, and if they bolden up while older, it will be much harder for them to stick up for themselves confidently, or they may go overboard and result to violence when not necessary. Confrontation skills need to be taught by parents and teachers. How to confidently and respectfully stick up for yourself in a way that discourages disrespect and bullying, but doesn’t cross the line into violence that’s out of proportion.
The rationale is always “There’ll be an authority figure you can go to.” There’s multiple things wrong with this. Often the authority figures just plain don’t care. If you’re an inner city neighborhood, going to cops paints a target on your head for retaliation, even by people you don’t know. It’s not as simple as “move out of the hood.” Being from North Philly, I’ve got first hand experience. Suburban people are starting to adopt the “no snitching” attitude and will retaliate as well.
Self defense and proper confrontation skills need to be taught, and that’s all I honestly need to say.
