Bullying and slandering in HK: the silent epidemic

 A very relevant article about bullying in society and its sources and workings: https://davidgraeber.org/articles/the-bullys-pulpit-on-the-elementary-structure-of-domination/ More of a meditation on the structures of domination in society and its advantages for bullies than a practical guide, it is nevertheless worth a reading.

  When society encourages you to look for ways out instead of solutions to real life problems, who is the sick or unstable element here, you or the said society? One example applicable to HK: witnessing bullying practices at the workplace. Ask yourself: what would you do? Or better: what did you do? Of courage vs hypocrisy and punitive societies…

 Bullying levels at school are just a reflection of bullying levels in that society as a whole. Bullying doesn’t originate at school. It originates in the family, the neighbourhood and, most significantly here, the workplace. HK, you really have a serious problem with some of your “core-values”. https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1777992-20241107.htm

https://www.happyer.io/company-article/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-workplace-bullying-in-hong-kong "Sadly, there’s currently no statutory definition of workplace bullying in Hong Kong, nor is there a specific law against bullying." "Even though bullying isn’t illegal here, there are a variety of legal avenues that can be pursued to hold perpetrators to account and reward damages to their targets. Unfortunately, this course of action is often relegated to ‘the too hard basket’ for the sufferers of abuse. Why? For the simple reasons that employers have more financial and human resources to back up a legal defense or counter challenge and they can find an army of other witnesses."   "Silence in the face of bullying at work may not see the actions of the bully change or cease, much less change the work culture that bred them. Taking it on the chin could amplify your feelings of disempowerment, self-doubt and resentment for the loss of job satisfaction and care...

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3124739/over-half-hong-kong-teachers-faced-workplace-bullying-past "Workplace bullying is a serious problem at schools" (...) "Under an imbalance of power, especially for temporary teachers or staff on fixed-term contracts, many are afraid to speak out even when they witness their colleagues being bullied." As a member of the teaching profession in Hong Kong, I totally identify with what is said in this article. I have witnessed / experienced myself bullying and slandering at schools and universities here, and I have felt legally powerless to challenge those engaging in such practices. This is a very, very dark side of living and working in this city that needs change and redress, and definitely a much stronger legislation against bullying in the working place. It's not only those being bullied, but those witnessing it will be affected adversely. Just think of the message that you're passing to your kids ...

 Taken from: https://www.hk-lawyer.org/content/metoo-office-%E2%80%93-workplace-bullying-spotlight By the way, in this article they state that " As with many other aspects of corporate governance, it is all about setting the right tone from the top. However, it is also everyone’s responsibility to eliminate inappropriate behaviour in the workplace!". Unfortunately, from my experience bullying is never stopped or prevented thanks to the top management, but, in any case, to the unity, solidarity and good will of those at the bottom. Bear this in mind, my friends. July, 2023