Why Bullying Really Exists and How to End It
Bullying represents a primal aspect of human nature that may have served a crucial purpose in our early evolution. However, as millennia have passed, we have clung onto these ancestral patterns, unable to let go of our most primitive instincts. The root of this behavior lies in our inherent fearfulness, which continues to shape our actions and interactions.
The Nature of Bullying
If we observe herd animals, we can witness the dynamic where an alpha figure emerges. Interestingly, there is relatively little bullying within the herd at the adult stage; however, among the younger male calves, a different story unfolds. As they reach adolescence, a hierarchy begins to form with bullying taking place, setting the stage for those who will ultimately vie for the position of alpha. It’s a primal drive for survival.
Let’s look at another mammalian species and observe how the phenomenon of bullyism exists as an integral part of their culture. An excellent example would be canine packs, predatory creatures that roam the wild. Within each litter, there emerges one who is selected to bear the brunt of bullying. This unfortunate pup leads a precarious existence, always relegated to last in line for nourishment. Its meals are mere scraps, obtained only after the others have had their fill, and even then, it must humbly beg for sustenance. There is no protection or solace granted to this pup, no matter how intense the aggression from its fellow young ones becomes. In fact, should this pup dare to retaliate, the alpha bullies waste no time in ruthlessly tearing it apart.
The behavior of sparrow flocks also show us this primal instinct in avian creatures. Within these lively gatherings, we can witness the presence of remarkable aggression towards one another. If we carefully study these groups and mark their members, a distinct pattern would emerge. Amongst them there is always one sparrow who, no matter how little food it receives, the rest of the flock will relentlessly pounce on it and attempt to snatch away its sustenance. It is a harsh reality for this lone sparrow, as it finds itself without any defenders in the face of relentless aggression from its peers.
From these examples, we can see that bullying manifests itself in various forms across the animal kingdom. It is also an attribute that mankind has woven into the very fabric of our culture through the course of evolution. Instinctively, we find ourselves drawn at a very young age to the pursuit of alpha status within our clans, craving the privileges that accompany such a position. But fear, not confidence, is the mighty catalyst which drives a bully. In fact, what compels bullies to act as they do is the fear of being discovered that they are afraid.
The Root of Bullying: Fear and Lust
Those who support and enable the bullies are driven by their own deep-seated fears. They project their fears onto the person they choose to be the bully, hoping to then use the bully as a shield to protect themselves. The bully then becomes addicted to this energy of fear from their supporters and feeds upon it. However, it is not solely this fear that the bully relies upon; instead, the bully seeks to override the fear and replace it with lust – the lust of the power and sense of unity that comes with being in a pack. This pursuit of power further fuels both the bully’s and their supporters’ desires and creates a cycle of intensified lust.
This combination of fear and lust is what creates a bully, and this combination is what the prophets alluded to in their teachings. When the prophets spoke about lust, their focus was not about sexual desire but rather on the intense longing within human beings to inflict harm upon others – to dominate, belittle and degrade – all as an attempt to divert attention from their own insecurities and vulnerabilities.
The Endless Cycle
Regardless of societal norms and expectations, it remains true that 90% of parents actively perpetuate this culture of bullying. The notion that "my child is superior to yours" often prevails, leading to a justification for mistreating other children. The underlying belief is that if one child is treated poorly, it is because they deserve such treatment. This mindset perpetuates the cycle of bullying and further ingrains it within our society.
Bullying has become so deeply embedded in our culture, to the extent that we often find ourselves defending and justifying its existence. In high schools, for example, the athletes are often given a free pass for their behavior, regardless of the harm they may cause. Instead, the blame is shifted onto the victims, creating a distorted narrative where the fault lies with those who are targeted. Similarly, in schools where there is a mix of socio-economic classes, the system itself becomes a source of bullying, with the disadvantaged children often bearing the brunt of it. The inherent inequalities within our society exacerbate this issue, as those who are marginalized or poor become easy targets for bullying.
Bullying, as a mechanism within our society, persists despite our knowledge and awareness of its negative impacts. It stems from our primal instincts as human beings; but what sets us apart is the immense capacity of our brains which grant us the ability to transcend and overcome these primitive inclinations.
Responsibility and the Power of Choice
The responsibility to combat bullying lies within each of us, as it requires a conscious choice to refrain from feeding into the desire to degrade others in order to attain a false sense of superiority. Our society has ingrained the notion that measuring our worth is intertwined with collectively degrading others, and consequently, this cultural reinforcement has hindered our progress in eradicating bullying.
Rather than solely assigning blame to others for either being bullies or victims of bullying, it is crucial that we examine the energy we ourselves produce that continues to perpetuate this harmful dynamic. It is the responsibility of us all to look deep into our hearts and minds and harness our intelligence to consciously override our animal instincts.
No government or institution can overcome this issue. It is an intrinsic part of every mechanism on this planet, deeply embedded in our societal fabric. The only way bullyism can be overcome is by recognizing that we carry the behaviors and patterns of the past within us. As the most evolved beings on this planet, we have reached a pivotal moment in our evolution where we possess the capability to transcend the actions of our ancestors.
Bullyism exists because we have done nothing to stop it. It's the responsibility of each individual to look deep within their hearts and choose not to give energy to anyone whose goal is to demean and degrade another so they can feel better about themselves. As a species, we haven’t learned to respect and honor divine intelligence, divine uniqueness, and divine perfection. Instead, we choose to judge God's work and proclaim it to be faulty. In fact, if you are a religious person of any faith and choose to allow bully energy, either within yourself or as an enabler, you have fallen in love with the persecution of others and are carrying out the actions of darkness. You do not follow your prophets.
Bullyism’s Impact on Individuals and Society
The pervasive energy of bullyism knows no boundaries and permeates all aspects of our society. It is not confined to any ideology or political affiliation. Whether it manifests in right-wing or left-wing circles, or even in the apathy of those who choose to do nothing, it reflects our collective failure to fully embrace the responsibility of living today. Instead, we keep asking the ancient dead how we should function in today’s society. Why should we continue to perpetuate the harmful practice of persecuting others based solely on ancient tribal beliefs that have been passed down through millennia?
Bullyism, with its toxic nature, not only affects the present well-being of individuals but also hampers the growth and expansion of young minds. It acts as a hindrance, preventing the exploration of new ideas, creativity, and the development of diverse perspectives. The detrimental effects of bullyism can even extend to the cognitive health of individuals. Studies suggest that a lack of mental stimulation and social engagement can contribute to the development of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. If individuals are trapped within the confines of bullyism, focusing solely on survival and self-preservation, their brains may not receive the necessary exercise and stimulation required for optimal cognitive functioning.
The Path to Evolution: End Bullying
For mankind to undergo true evolution and progress as a collective, it is crucial to confront and examine the energy of lust that drives us to attack and degrade. The examination must be an honest observation of this instinctual response without succumbing to shame or guilt, but rather with a commitment to overriding it.
To initiate this transformation, we must first recognize and acknowledge the presence of this energy within ourselves and in our society. By shining a light on our own behaviors and tendencies, we can start to dismantle the mechanisms that perpetuate a culture of aggression and divisiveness.