Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
I would say using words or phrases to try and degrade a person's argument when one is already losing is a common strategy. If I decide to "attack the messenger" and say "You don't know what you are talking about because you don't have a degree" or even "that argument is stupid and you are an idiot" it is insulting, and a pathetic attempt to win the argument.
But I wouldn't call that "bullying". Now, if I was incessant and did it to every post you made or thread you started we are starting to talk about bullying or harassment.
I think bullying is more incessant and more serious. Again, I don't want to dilute the seriousness of the crime of bullying by agreeing with the idea that all insults are a form of bullying. Insults can and often are a part of what a bully does to his victim, but you and I are not in a position where there is a power struggle or scramble for a social position above or below each other. I think that factor cannot be ignored.
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It's true that it's a pathetic attempt to win an argument. However, to me, that's all a part of the bullying. A bully will want to gain control and so will want to win the argument - even if it means calling the other person an idiot.
I personally feel that because insults are degrading, they will always be connected in some way to bullying. I do see your point a little better now, though, in part because I just started reading this article:
Gabriel: Introduction to the Social Psychology of Insults in Organizations
It's pretty long, but it's really interesting if you're curious at all. It supports both of our points.