Wasaga Beach Bully

I want to go back to the discussion from the other day. I said;

“The one thing I hope is that people considering stepping into public office don’t unnecessarily worry about is the vile, unnecessary bullying. “

Bullying can stimulate a wide variety of responses. If it succeeds in its intended use, the bullying will result in silencing people, having people become reclusive or in some cases even cower in fear.

The bullies are weak people and resort to vicious behaviour. In most cases, they know they are out classed, they know their lies are fabricated, they know their victims have a stronger position and their primary purpose is to try to shut you up. Then, if they are not succeeding, they call in reinforcements.

Don’t let online bullies celebrate these victories. Stand up to them. Put them in their place. It may require some strength of spirit, but do not let them drag you down to their level. Do it with careful calculated words.

Another possible result of the vile bullying done by the these online bullies is that they can serve to motivate people to stand up. One important thing for people who choose to stand up is for them to know that they are not alone.

In my case, several months ago, I said enough was enough. I am motivated! I am standing beside others! I am asking others to stand by me! The actions (or inactions) of our Council have motivated me to stand up! Doing so has had a very real cost. It has taken a great deal of time. Most recently, it has cost us (my wife and I) a great deal of money. But, it is all worth it because I know that change is happening.

Earlier today, I read a comment from someone who was tired of certain distasteful behavior in Wasaga Beach groups. There was an interesting response from several people. Some became very defensive and my first thought was that they were mis-reading his comment.

That is one of the problems with online forums. There is no body language, no intonation, no real “feel” to many comments. So, if you miss a word, or if you mistake intent… boom, you have an unnecessary dispute.

So, let’s move forward in a way where we are careful how we say things. I firmly believe that it is essential to be heard. But doing it in a respectful manner will ensure any light you want to shine on an issue will illuminate the issue, not your voice.

Pay attention! Are those involved in an online debate commenting on the topic introduced? Have they entered the conversation to simply criticize the person making a point? Are they trying to distract and move the topic to something else?

Let’s improve the quality of what the world sees when they type the words “Wasaga Beach” into their search’s.