Blogpost 3: Gossip as an Act of Bullying

                         Bullying has been a hot issue all over the country. It is the use of coercive power, some threat and use of force to dominate others. Most especially in schools, there’s a bullying happening there. Students who are being bullied have not enough courage to fight or protect themselves from those bullies. But now, I’m going to discuss a different kind of bullying which is far from physically hurting the target of bullying. Did you know that spreading gossip could be an act of bullying? Yes, it can be though gossips do not hurt you physically but emotionally and mentally. Gossip is an indirect way of bullying. You spread rumors which are not true ad the only purpose is to hurt one’s feeling. 

                        As a matter of fact, I've been a victim of bullying back then in my elementary days. I’m feeble and had a weak body but an intelligent child. I always finished my assignments and projects on time. Since that is the case, the bullies in our class tend to get my assignment and own it that’s why when we need to pass the assignment I have nothing to pass. I can’t tell it to my teacher because I’m afraid. The reason why I’m afraid is that they always threatened me and tell me that my life would be at risk if I tell anyone about it. By the way, I studied in a public school and some students there are violent and ferocious that they had to bring “balisong” (folding pocket knife or butterfly knife) for their protection in case of emergency. Back to the story, they tend to show me the “balisong” and scare me to get what they want. That time, I thought it’s the end but it’s not. The other day, as I arrived in our room, I noticed that my classmates were murmuring. I heard my name. My bestfriend approached me and told me that they were all talking about me. I knew in the very first place that bullies started it all. I can’t help myself but to only sob. I lose my self-esteem that time and make feel that I'm really weak and lacking of strength.

(c) whatwillmatter

    Since I've experienced that dreadful thing, I wanted to know the effect of gossip in terms of bullying and how does it affect the persons who are not strong enough to defend themselves. I saw this article "Gossip Is Related To Bullying, And May Even Be The Beginning Signs" by Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross. According to her post,  "there is a direct correlation between gossip and bullying behavior. In a sense, bullying is the planning phases." With these, spreading untruthful gossips could result to bullying. You start bullying others by this deed. Meanwhile, malicious gossip has been a serious issue for the elementary aged children. And this issue urged them to implement an anti-bullying program named Steps to Respect in order to reduce the spreading of malignant gossips. On the other hand, teachers tend to ignore the whispers of some students in playground but they didn't even know that this kind of setting often formed the reality of the bullying and gossip is just one of the elements.  With the help of the program, the victim of bullying can move freely and do what he wants. A significant variable of the said program is how the friends teamed up for each other and the behavior of some bullies is more likely to stop. Friends assist him in getting out of the role as a victim. Gossips cannot be stop easily but teaching the kids with necessary skills can help them to reduce its malicious intent and learn to defend themselves if the situation demands.

(c) guardianlv

            Another article talked about spreading of rumors and gossips as an act of bullying. It is entitled Someone Is Spreading Rumors About Me. What Can I Do? made and reviewed by D'Arcy Lyness. A statement in her article really struck me and made me realized that spreading such gossips can intimidate others like what happened to me. A part of her article states that: "Bullying is like meanness pollution. It affects everyone in the environment." Yes, it is like a pollution because everybody is affected by seeing someone else getting bullied that makes other people feel so bad. 

             Unfortunately, people who witness this kind of act, they don't always stand up for what's right. I thought that they are frightened to be the next target and this makes them to be less sociable most especially with the person being talked about. As a matter of fact, disseminating unruly gossips are considered to be an immature act that is done in an indecent way. 

(c) ebullyingstatistics

              In the article, here some ways that can truly help you if you find yourself the target of gossips and social bullying. Turn to a trusted adult for support, it is better to approach the adults because the chances to stop the rumors are possible. Talk to your guidance counselor or to those you can confide in but the best person you can discuss the problem you're facing is your parents. Find your friends, don't think too much about the situation and try to ignore the rumors or gossips you heard. Share to your true friends how you feel with the situation. Do the things that you'll enjoy and be with your friends. Spend your time with them and have fun. Speak up, talk to the person who's disseminating the rumors. Don't be angry or mean while talking to her. Just talk to her with calmness and clarity. Let her think what you have said. Care for yourself, this is the best way to deal with social bullying. Be positive and confident enough to not let the gossips affect you so much. Gather support from the people who care most and believe in yourself that this dreadful matter will vanish soon.

(c) jain12767

             Now that you have read the things that may help you. Try to do it if you have any experience being bullied socially. If I only knew these things before, I might defend myself with those bullies back then when I was in elementary. There's no more room for me to regret. I just want to thank God because I was able to surpass the hindrances and continue to move forward. To those who's reading this blog and now in a situation of bullying, I hope these tips will help you a lot.

           

              At first glance, you might think that bullying is easy to define. The first thing that comes in your mind is a big boy beating up a small boy, hurting it physically. Yes, it is considered bullying today but other than that, bullying can also be done covertly through hurting them emotionally specifically spreading of unkind gossips. Ignore those rumors and gossips and stand up for what's right. Always think that bullies are Big Ugly Loner Losers Yearning attention (see the 3rd photo). They are insecure because you have lots of friends who are caring and loving.

            Now, I'm a college student, I feel the respect and fairness between the people around me. It's an exhilarating feeling because everyone is treated fairly. According to Sir John Marks Templeton, It's nice to be IMPORTANT but it's important TO BE NICE. Don't pretend to be good, just be yourself. Don't be a bad model to everyone. Don't be a bully person and be nice to everyone. We are all in this together, unified against bullying and committed to be kind with others. To those bullies out there, all I can say is bullying others doesn't make you bigger; it even makes you smaller.