How often do we see bullying and aren’t sure what to do? It happens every day. We write it off as not our problem or not our business. Or maybe, like in the following example, the bullying takes care of itself–until the next time.
So what’s missing in this interaction? Respect. To gain respect, one must first give respect. Bullies respect no one. That’s why they put down others–to make themselves feel better. The best teachers are those who see their students as equals–an equal opportunity for learning both ways–thus the teacher becomes the student and the student the teacher. It’s a beautiful exchange.
Respect. Give it. Get it.
Stop bullying. Start respecting.
Rebecca Carpenter, copy editor and author 