These are difficult times: work stress, climate crisis and associated disasters, and the demands of daily life compound each other and it’s hard to get relief. Meanwhile we’re trying to collectively make an important decision about our future. Some of us have positive coping tactics, while others express helplessness and insecurity through bullying and other destructive behaviours that weaken us all.
Healthy Dialogue and Debate Build Up our Strength…
Make no mistake, critical thought is necessary to build class power and a dynamic union. It is the basis of respect and freedom. Critical and class-based analysis strengthens the rights and working conditions of everyone. The current discussion about the bargaining process is a key moment. Respectful and honest critique and differing positions can inform members and help make their decision. Debate enriches us, monolithic thought only serves top-down authoritarian structures.
Disrespect and Disinformation Only Tear us Down
But insults and abuse are just the opposite. Cyberbullies and trolls use hurtful language and misleading or untrue statements and opinions to poison the debate. Gossip, innuendo, rumours, and negativity serve the boss’ interests by dividing and exhausting us.
Cyberbullying is an act of cruelty. Social media can be easy to hide behind for someone who only wants to attack and drag down, or mislead others. Whether it be promoting hate, gaslighting, gossiping or trolling, the result is serious. It can harm the target’s mental and physical health, and it can strain relationships. At worst, it can reignite past trauma. Attacks can be around the clock – leaving no safe place or time – and unaccountable.
For victims
- It is not your fault. The bully is the problem, not you.
- View it from a different perspective. The bully is an unhappy, self-absorbed, and frustrated person who wants you to feel as badly as they do.
- Find ways to manage stress and keep from being overwhelmed. Exercise, meditation, positive self-talk, muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises are all good ways to cope with the stress of bullying.
- Don’t respond to posts about you, this is exactly what the bully wants:
a reaction. - Speak to a social steward or look for an alternate space to talk about what you are experiencing and feeling.
For bullies: you can get help!
According to research, there are some common factors that apply to bullies:
- A greater risk of abusing alcohol and drugs;
- More likely to get into arguments and fights;
- Twice as likely as their peers to have a criminal conviction; and
- More likely to be abusive toward their children or partner.
Bullies can and should explore their behaviour. There are places to constructively confront anger management and other personal issues. Our benefit plan includes counselling. You too may have been a victim along the way and have felt helpless and alone. When you do it to others, consider what bullying has done to you.
One way or the other, we are all in this together. We can build real collective power when we come from a place of curiosity, respect and dignity.
In solidarity,
Dave Bleakney
2nd National Vice-President
2019-2023 Bulletin #293
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