These bullies that define us

In ending our previous discussion, I suggested that bullies that are confronting us also try to define who we really are and deal with us accordingly. At least this is my observation after observing Trump’s behavior for almost twenty years. 

True, Trump is a born-bully that understands this kind of M.O. better than anyone. It’s hard to deny that bullies often try to define their victims. By targeting specific vulnerabilities, bullies attempt to find a perceived or real weak trait, seize it and then control as well as manipulate their victims' self-perception. This can lead to significant emotional and psychological harm, as victims may internalize the negative labels and stereotypes imposed upon them.

As Donald Trump has shown us, bullies often use a variety of tactics to define their victims, including name-calling by applying hurtful or derogatory labels. There’s also a form of exclusion, in which the victim is pushed away from social groups or activities. When circumstances are favorable, physical aggression can at times be used by applying physical force to intimidate or harm the victim. 

These days, of course there’s also the power of cyberbullying by using technology to harass or humiliate the victim through various social media platforms. During the last elections, Trump has used most of these techniques to define his opponents and each time, all of them have accepted his definitions of them with docility, often by “turning the other cheek” or ignoring their humiliating sting. They should never have allowed it. 

Contrarily to what “well-educated” folks will profess, one should always fight fire by two-times the amount of fire delivered and call bullies for what they are. Had Jeb Bush, when he was called “Low energy Jeb” by Trump, should have grabbed him by his coat lapels and punched him in the face. He would have ended up with a dismissed law-suit and Donald Trump returning to the “Apprentice Show” with his tail between his legs...