Definition: Bullying may be defined as the activity of repeated, aggressive behavior intended to hurt another person, physically or mentally.
I put the emphasis on the repeated (by the same person) part. If the e-mailer does it over and over again, then it is bullying. Otherwise it was a remark that can be ignored.
One thing that makes me think though (and unfortunately this might be a sensitive topic, so I apologize beforehand to those that might feel offended), can you say that the target of bullying is truly innocent with no fault what so ever? In this particular case (whether it's bullying or not), the woman was overweight, and unfortunately most people have gotten themselves into that position. Corpulence and obesity does not only effect the person, it's bad for the whole society, so is it wrong to point it out that it might be in everyone's interest to lose weight? (Though, one can be diplomatic and formulate it nicely as not to hurt the other person's feelings.)
Humans are flock animals and in order for a group to work, a likeness of minds is often helpful. So can we can we really blame those who shun people who behave differently or can be seen as a threat to the group? Is it the group who need to change attitude and accept the difference and versatility or is it the individual who need to conform to the majority?
I put the emphasis on the repeated (by the same person) part. If the e-mailer does it over and over again, then it is bullying. Otherwise it was a remark that can be ignored.
One thing that makes me think though (and unfortunately this might be a sensitive topic, so I apologize beforehand to those that might feel offended), can you say that the target of bullying is truly innocent with no fault what so ever? In this particular case (whether it's bullying or not), the woman was overweight, and unfortunately most people have gotten themselves into that position. Corpulence and obesity does not only effect the person, it's bad for the whole society, so is it wrong to point it out that it might be in everyone's interest to lose weight? (Though, one can be diplomatic and formulate it nicely as not to hurt the other person's feelings.)
Humans are flock animals and in order for a group to work, a likeness of minds is often helpful. So can we can we really blame those who shun people who behave differently or can be seen as a threat to the group? Is it the group who need to change attitude and accept the difference and versatility or is it the individual who need to conform to the majority?
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
