By A View from the Valley
Georgia Earley
For years I had chickens. And in each flock inevitably one or two of them would bully select birds, pecking at them when corn was thrown or to be first out the gate. In time I’d notice others doing the same to those birds. Since then, I’ve taken note of hominid bullies and the power they wield on TV and radio programs, on social media sites, in the news and increasingly in politics.
Whether human or fowl, bullies seem to live by similar rules:
- Pick off victims one at a time.
- Pick fights with those perceived weaker than you.
- Align with other bullies.
- Only allies matter.
- When expedient even allies are expendable.
- Loyalty is only to you, never to a cause unless it benefits you.
- Attack is the best defense.
- Cry foul LOUDLY when you lose.
- Never admit wrong.
Grade school bullies call their victims’ names, ridicule and use sarcasm. They often spread false rumors and use intimidation to manipulate both their victims AND their peers to gain power. They frequently carry out their aggression before an audience to boost their sense of power. And when they feel empowered and unrestrained, like chickens, some physically assault others.
So where does that need for power come from? It’s known that some bullies have low self-esteem, so to feel better about themselves they attempt to make others feel worse. And some strive to dominate others to improve their own social status…the pecking order.
Studies by the National Institute of Health and others have shown many who were bullies as children turn into adults with antisocial personality disorder (APD). And though it’s difficult to identify people with APD since they are usually charming and good at manipulation, convincing others to “go along with them” often with lies, there are a few hallmark attributes.
Those with APD lack empathy so disregard the feelings or suffering of others. They cannot see things from another point of view and have a sense of impunity. They lack remorse for any wrongdoing and instead blame others. They resist conforming to social norms, are impulsive and often exhibit risky behavior.
Additionally, both bullies and those with APD can exhibit narcissistic traits. And many see themselves as victims, so they justify rage, antagonistic, hostile, threatening, and disruptive behavior as reacting in self-defense to a perceived threat.
Research indicates that 35% or more of all prisoners may have APD. Some studies suggest the percentage is as high as 70%.
And after years of observing chickens and people in positions of power, I suspect a good percentage of both may have APD too.