Bullies and Bystanders

Bullies cannot operate alone. To gain supporters, they exploit the ignorance of unsuspecting bystanders. They seek control of communication to prevent others from learning the truth about their malevolence and to restrict information to what serves their interests. They don’t want people to interact with each other, and typically, they will try to intimidate the victim from speaking with anyone. Threats, blackmail, and stonewalling are standard methods of control.

Wherever bullying occurs, the people who are aware of it and don’t object or intervene may believe that they are being neutral. In reality, they are actually helping the bully. Fear that they, too, will be subjected to mistreatment is one reason why bystanders look the other way when someone else is being targeted. A “culture of fear” develops easily, affecting everyone in an organization. People become intimidated from raising concerns, voicing opinions, sharing ideas, and afraid to be seen as “stepping out of line” while the more brazen personalities have their way without being questioned. Do we want this kind of tyrannical atmosphere in our community? Just how much oppression or pressure to conform is acceptable?

When you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice, you may know that your society is doomed.

—Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged 1957

YouTube: Jeffrey Watts explains “Divide and Conquer” tactics. 

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