I'm probably gonna get in trouble for even raising the following issue, but I feel I have to point something out......
But as a proviso:
Of course I am against bullying, the strong picking on the weak, those with power abusing those without.
And the thought of sexual harassment makes me so angry its best not to vocalise.
I in no way condone the picking on or harassing of anyone.
And in no way do I want to make excuses for anyone abusing their position or co-workers in such a way.
Furthermore, I do not want to belittle anyone's horrific experiences of real abuse.
However,
I do feel there is miscommunication and misunderstanding between generations that grew up in very different worlds.
There should be a free and open discussion of peoples experiences, expectations and understandings.
Friendly banter can be taken as abuse; but abuse can be disguised or even encouraged as harmless ribbing.
I have seen a PO knocked sideways by an accusation of bullying that was potentially a product of political maneuvering, gossip and ambition rather than any real grievance.
I have seen diggers bully their PO/supervisor through the complaints system or friendship with management.
I have seen and experienced threats of violence from the clients subcontractors.
I know of one co-worker who was threatened with a shotgun by a farmer, and others who have been chased by dogs.
I have experienced racism from a client.
Some of us grew up in a world where we were taught to deal with bullying by 'standing up for ourselves.....as no one else would.' A world where initiation pranks were the norm. A world where teasing and ribbing were a sign of friendship and/or respect. A world where 'names will never hurt me'
However, some of us have grown up in a world where certain words are unacceptable. A world where bullying is dealt with by accusation, suspension, investigation in closed rooms. A world where internet gossip is king. And trial by internet is accepted. A world where name calling is taken to the high court and a court order can stop you speaking the truth.
These two worlds can be incompatible. But can be reconciled through discussion and understanding.
But as a proviso:
Of course I am against bullying, the strong picking on the weak, those with power abusing those without.
And the thought of sexual harassment makes me so angry its best not to vocalise.
I in no way condone the picking on or harassing of anyone.
And in no way do I want to make excuses for anyone abusing their position or co-workers in such a way.
Furthermore, I do not want to belittle anyone's horrific experiences of real abuse.
However,
I do feel there is miscommunication and misunderstanding between generations that grew up in very different worlds.
There should be a free and open discussion of peoples experiences, expectations and understandings.
Friendly banter can be taken as abuse; but abuse can be disguised or even encouraged as harmless ribbing.
I have seen a PO knocked sideways by an accusation of bullying that was potentially a product of political maneuvering, gossip and ambition rather than any real grievance.
I have seen diggers bully their PO/supervisor through the complaints system or friendship with management.
I have seen and experienced threats of violence from the clients subcontractors.
I know of one co-worker who was threatened with a shotgun by a farmer, and others who have been chased by dogs.
I have experienced racism from a client.
Some of us grew up in a world where we were taught to deal with bullying by 'standing up for ourselves.....as no one else would.' A world where initiation pranks were the norm. A world where teasing and ribbing were a sign of friendship and/or respect. A world where 'names will never hurt me'
However, some of us have grown up in a world where certain words are unacceptable. A world where bullying is dealt with by accusation, suspension, investigation in closed rooms. A world where internet gossip is king. And trial by internet is accepted. A world where name calling is taken to the high court and a court order can stop you speaking the truth.
These two worlds can be incompatible. But can be reconciled through discussion and understanding.