Looking at the video and film clips, film makers in the USA think bullying at school, in the work place and in leisure venues is common place. They also believe all bullies get their comeuppance. But only by picking on the wrong person who violently and with maximum efficiency breaks bones and busts heads using fists and feet. The message seems to be learn to fight. Does the message resonate with those in the work place in the UK? Would employees say. Bulling is a fact of life. If you’re in any way different you are an obvious target. You better learn to fight or learn to fit in. But if you are going to fight, you will be out numbered, plenty of people will watch but no one will help, authority figures will be absent. Maybe your view of bullying is some unpleasant memories from school. Maybe you were a bully at school or perhaps you saw yourself more as a leader. Many people have a narrow view of bullying and wouldn’t think that it was anything to do with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies viewing these as about recruiting more black people. Either that or being carful who you say what to because some words and expressions are no longer allowed. Maybe your view on how safe, happy and accepting the work place is, is determined by whether you are made to feel different and whether you have decided to fit in or fight.
As an investigating officer and a chair of disciplinary panels I have witnessed what happens when people put their faith in the system. They frequently describe it as a bruising experience, in which they lacked confidence in their line manager, felt unsupported by HR , let down by colleagues and lost faith in the organisation. Frustrated by the outcome, irrespective of whether their complaint was up held they left the organisation not long after.
In real life the bully all to often doesn’t get their comeuppance.
Blair Mcpherson former Director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
