Oppression

The famous standup Ellen DeGeneres says that most of the comedy is based on getting a laugh at somebody else's expense. And I find that that's just a form of bullying in a major way. So I want to be an example that you can be funny and be kind, and make people laugh without hurting somebody else's feelings.

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions.

The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him orherself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.

Twenty eight percent of young people from grades six through 12 have been the victim of bullying.

People usually think of bullying as taking place between children at school. However, it can also occur at work and include aggressive behaviors like verbal abuse, sabotaging the victim's job or work relationship, or misusing authority. Adult bullies who engage in these behaviors are males 60% of the time. While men who bully tend to victimize both genders equally, women bullies target other women about 80% of the time.

If you are being bullied, tell them to stop, get away from the situation, and tell a trusted adult. If you see someone being bullied, be an up stander: Tell the person to stop, get a trusted adult, reach out and be friends. With your children, Listen and support your children. Work withthe school to be sure your child is safe.