Differences of opinion only become a difficulty when people are unable to respect another person’s beliefs and values. for a few people, it’s only too easy to induce so committed in their own beliefs that common courtesy and respect are ditched at the primary hint of disagreement. And in some cases, the result can become so harsh and cruel that the discussions not qualify as disagreements. Instead, they morph into bullying complete with name-calling, emotional abuse, threats and sometimes even physical violence.
Most of the time when people are bullied for his or her beliefs, opinions, thoughts or values, this falls into prejudice-based bullying. apart from being impatient of another person’s opinions and beliefs, these bullies also might attack someone for her religious beliefs and political beliefs. Typically, prejudice-based bullying is motivated by fear and an absence of understanding. As a result, if you would like to fight this kind of bullying you would like to alleviate those fears and help foster understanding. Thus start with education.
If you’re being targeted for your beliefs, whether or not they are simple opinions, political opinions, or in exceeding support of a selected cause like animal rights, abuse prevention, or climate control, there are ways to pander to this kind of bullying in an exceedingly calm and effective manner. Here is some stuff you can do to address being bullied for your beliefs and values.
1. Understand why they are bullying you
Bullying is wrong and never acceptable. However, after you are addressing someone who is bullying you for your beliefs, it helps to grasp what’s motivating them. Having some understanding of the bully helps to require the main focus off what he’s saying to you and instead puts the main focus back on them
Are they bullying you because they’re afraid you expect them to be exactly like you? Do they engage in bullying because they don’t understand the cause you’re supporting and want more information? Or, are they bullying you merely because they lack empathy and revel in trolling or flaming you? Once you’ll grasp the motivation behind the bullying, you may know the way to cater to it. as an example, you’ll provide more information to someone who lacks understanding about your beliefs but if the person could be a troll, it’s best to ignore or report them.
2. Communicate that you simply don’t Expect Them to vary
While it’d be wonderful if everyone supported the identical causes, this simply isn’t feasible. If the person bullying you could be a co-worker, friend or someone you often interact with, it’d be helpful to remind him that simply because you support a selected cause doesn’t mean you expect them to follow. People are less likely to induce defensive or mean if they are doing not feel pressured, judged, or threatened in how. make certain that you just are even as respectful of their opinions and beliefs as you would like them to be.
3. Expect Respect From Others
While you can not expect everyone to alter or conform to your way of thinking, you furthermore might conform or hide who you’re because they are doing not agree. Expecting others to be respectful isn’t asking an excessive amount. Healthy friends, relations, and colleagues should accept your values and beliefs whether or not they disagree. they must never laugh at you or what you think that, ever. If they’re unable to be respectful, make certain you rise up to their bullying. you furthermore might can reduce or eliminate your interactions with them if they’re unable to treat you well. there’s no room in your life for toxic people or fake friends.
5. Continue to Be Authentic
Be happy with who you’re and don’t let anyone try and define you with their insults and bullying. What you suspect isn’t stupid or pointless. you have got a right to your opinions, values, and beliefs a bit like anyone else. Remember, there’ll always be someone who disagrees with you. There are many of us out there who enjoy debating, arguing, and sometimes even bullying. But that doesn’t mean that your beliefs are invalid. Unless your beliefs are harmful to others, you’re not doing anything wrong.
6. Get Help if you Need It
Unfortunately, there are times when disagreements go too far. If you’re in an exceedingly situation that creates you’re feeling uncomfortable or if you are feeling unsafe or threatened in a way, it’s important to either report the bullying or gets others involved who can facilitate you or protect you. don’t be afraid to elicit help. Sometimes bullies is so determined to achieve control over you or force you to vary that they’re going to go too far to create it happen. Never put yourself in peril to support your cause. Make your personal safety a top priority.
7. Join or Form a collective
Having the additional support of being during a group that shares your values and your goals is invaluable. the additional support and validation you are feeling from being around others who consider you’ll be able to offset the negative impact of bullying. Join or start a club, participate in meet-ups, find online forums, or follow others with similar views on social media. The support, friendships, and discussions won’t only have a positive impact but also will build your self-esteem and confidence.
– by shinjini chatterjee
