Reply #5: Because they are cowards and bullies at the same time

[undergroundpanther]

The official definition of a bully is: "A cruel oppressor of the weak". Bullying takes many different forms. There can be outright physical intimidation and assault; there can be emotional blackmail; there can be psychological menace. Most people think of bullying only in terms of the first form -- which is actually very blinkered because it is far more prevalent in the other two forms, although not as visible to the uninitiated eye.

Bullying has become extremely rife in schools today. It is not just in the U.K. that this is the case. When I was in Holland, which is a very aggressive, self-centred society which relentlessly pampers children's egos, I discovered that it was a normal part of school culture, known as "Pesten".

Sometimes children who bully are merely imitating their teachers. That teachers can often be bullies was what lay behind the song "We Don't Need No Education" by the Pink Floyd on their concept album "The Wall" (although the song title shows that they did need education in English grammar!). One of the verses said: "We don't need no education; we don't need no thought control; no dark sarcasm in the classroom; teacher leave those kids alone". "Dark sarcasm" towards children is, of course, a form of bullying. It dehumanises its victim under the guise of humour. Using a cloak to hide behind is a very common tactic of the bully. Bullies always deny that they are bullying. Always. They say: "Aw it was just a bit of fun", or they accuse their victims of being paranoid or having a persecution complex, or they make out that they were merely defending themselves against prior attacks from their victims. Bullies are always accomplished liars as well as being bullies.

Another interesting facet of bullying is that although they are prepared to attack in the most vicious fashion, using subterfuge and lies, when anyone begins to complain about it they plead that they are being unfairly treated, and feel very sorry for themselves. Isn't that always how bullies behave? I seem to recall Flashman from "Tom Brown's Schooldays" whining and whimpering that he was being unfairly attacked when he finally got his comeuppance! Bullies are always cowards at heart.

http://www.diakrisis.org/cosmic_bullying.htm

http://indigo.ie/~odonnllb/cabullying/bullybad.htm
http://www.bullyonline.org/workbully/