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I was bullied by an older stepsibling. I consider it bullying because he was older, bigger, stronger, had more power, I couldnt avoid him, and it was a persistent pattern over years.
My friends and I were sometimes mean to each other, but it wasnt bullying, because we were equals, able and willing to defend ourselves, able and willing to remove ourselves from the situation, and it was only occasional.
I think of bullying as more 'harassment' and aggressive mis-treatment of other people (often online in today's world). It's not because the 'bully' is stronger; in fact, the bully is insecure and weaker (and he/she needs people to join in, because they often can't interact with their target face-to-face in a civil manner) so it's their way of trying to gain power annonymously. Hence, they create various accounts in the person's name, imitate a person's career or location, spread rumors, attempt to taunt and harass, even take their target's screen name (and use it to make up their own urban dictionary definition). Bullying is identifiable aggressive behavior, often in groups. Bullies don't have personal power over choices in their own lives, happiness, success, whatever - they feel 'less than', so they feel it necessary to manufacture it by 'bullying' others; it makes them feel better.
Being mean, however, is hurting someone with words or actions, usually in an interaction between two people. That said, it seems likely those who are mean are the most likely to bully as well.
I think of bullying as more 'harassment' and aggressive mis-treatment of other people (often online in today's world). It's not because the 'bully' is stronger; in fact, the bully is insecure and weaker (and he/she needs people to join in, because they often can't interact with their target face-to-face in a civil manner) so it's their way of trying to gain power annonymously. Hence, they create various accounts in the person's name, imitate a person's career or location, spread rumors, attempt to taunt and harass, even take their target's screen name (and use it to make up their own urban dictionary definition). Bullying is identifiable aggressive behavior, often in groups. Bullies don't have personal power over choices in their own lives, happiness, success, whatever - they feel 'less than', so they feel it necessary to manufacture it by 'bullying' others; it makes them feel better.
Being mean, however, is hurting someone with words or actions, usually in an interaction between two people. That said, it seems likely those who are mean are the most likely to bully as well.
mean can just be a down right nasty disposition without actually having to "bully" to dominate or control.
mean can just be a down right nasty disposition without actually having to "bully" to dominate or control.
Being mean is to hurt deliberately with words (or actions) - but not necessarily repeated and identifiable behavior/harassment of aggressiveness and mistreatment, as is bullying.
Someone's disposition, however, is a part of their personality or state of mind, attitude; it's not directed at anyone. They are the type of people who believe 'being nice is fake' or criticize/bully people for being socially competent, emotionally intelligent and/or 'nice' (which they feel is a negative).
Bullying- breaking someone’s pencil every day and breaking their replacement
Mean- calling someone a name
Bullying- repeatedly calling someone a name and trying to get others to do it too
Mean- taking something from someone’s lunch
Bullying- taking something from someone’s lunch every day
I agree with this.
I'd add, all bullies are mean, but not all mean people are bullies.
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