30th August 2013, 05:26 PM
"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"
Jack is so right and it is the fine line between these two attitudes that is so difficult to draw. As someone who has always found practical jokes un funny and in many cases hurtful I have often been very uncomfortable around what others seem to think is reasonable banter and joshing especially when they are verbally putting someone down behind their back. I am clear in my own head what constitutes bullying and harasment when it comes to me personally having a very low personal tolerance threshold and will stand up for myself. What I am not clear on is when I should step in for colleagues and have found it very difficult to judge this.
Like some others here I went through the world of work when sexism, racisim and general bullying were rife and find things so much better now that I often wonder what it is that people are complaining about. I do think Jack is right, there is a disconnect between the generations and is the harasing and bulling within the archaeological world or is it coming from the world of the contractors and their sub contractors we have to work with? I found the archaeological world far less tolerant of the ongoing racism and sexism you find in the constrution industry with Archaeologists more accepting of differences in general and having a work force that is diverse (though not as diverse as it could or should be.)
Perhaps we need to define what is acceptable beheaviour I know it is defined in law but it can be difficult to recognise and apply this in the world of work.
Oh and telling someone their work is not up to standard and they need to do better is not bullying!
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"
Jack is so right and it is the fine line between these two attitudes that is so difficult to draw. As someone who has always found practical jokes un funny and in many cases hurtful I have often been very uncomfortable around what others seem to think is reasonable banter and joshing especially when they are verbally putting someone down behind their back. I am clear in my own head what constitutes bullying and harasment when it comes to me personally having a very low personal tolerance threshold and will stand up for myself. What I am not clear on is when I should step in for colleagues and have found it very difficult to judge this.
Like some others here I went through the world of work when sexism, racisim and general bullying were rife and find things so much better now that I often wonder what it is that people are complaining about. I do think Jack is right, there is a disconnect between the generations and is the harasing and bulling within the archaeological world or is it coming from the world of the contractors and their sub contractors we have to work with? I found the archaeological world far less tolerant of the ongoing racism and sexism you find in the constrution industry with Archaeologists more accepting of differences in general and having a work force that is diverse (though not as diverse as it could or should be.)
Perhaps we need to define what is acceptable beheaviour I know it is defined in law but it can be difficult to recognise and apply this in the world of work.
Oh and telling someone their work is not up to standard and they need to do better is not bullying!