bulling on mumsnet.

[threefeethighandrising]

Yes, this is a thread about a thread. Or lots of threads in fact. So shoot me.

I'm shocked saddened by the level of bullying that goes on, particularly in AIBU.

I'm not complaining about people speaking their minds. One of the things I love about mumsnet is frank exchanges, that people can say what they want.

What worries me is a nasty group mentality - people ganging up on a poster - usually a new one - and picking apart their story and being absolutely, unforgivably nasty to them.

We teach our DCs to stand up to bullies. Well, how do we stand up to these ones?

I've recommended mumsnet to many people over the years, as a place you can find fantastic support, frank and honest opinions. Those kinds of threads make me question whether this is a place I should be inviting any one other than those with a very think skin. Which is a real shame IMO.

I'm not really asking AIBU. I am asking how we can stand up to bullies on mumsnet. I've posted it here because it happens here a lot.

Sure! "Fuck off" :)

Maryz I think that a thread about bullying is serious. I just think a little sensitivity is called for. When someone feels bullying is happening, yes everyone is entitled to disagree, but to hijack, tell the OP to "lighten up" is insensitive.

Disgusting behaviour AgeingGrace IMO, I thought someone as intelligent as you would not resort to such vile retorts. (even if it was cushioned by a :))

But, if that outburst made you feel better then I'm glad - have a nice day, and good luck with your endeavours.

Maryz, I noticed the throne was vacated, so I jumped in it and the power went to my head :)

[Awaits someone bigger, and better to knock me off the throne]

LeQueen, but that is whole point isn't it, which I don't think you are getting.

After you started "messing about and going off on a tangent" the OP tried to get the "bullying" discussion going again. She was told to stop talking about it, things had moved on.

You asked what you could have done-well I think you could have stopped "messing about" on a thread about something pretty serious.

Thing is, anti-bullies go out of their way to be reasonable & respectful. Which is never going to work with bullies, is it?

Now and again we have fight threads, don't we? I love 'em Funnily enough, the posters who go into a frenzy of distressed post-reporting, there, are often those who take most pleasure in picking at more sensitive people on other threads.

Kaz, I was taking my cue from you when you told me what to say :)

Bit of a clumsy typo at 16:06 there, LeQ. I really did credit you with more finesse. You'd better take that sheepskin off, it's getting wool in your head!

Oh. did they not get my joke then? Am I in trouble?

Define reasonable & respectful Ageing Grace...

I think you'd agree that it's been pretty much tit for tat on both side of the arguement here.

All reason and respect left the building many moons ago unfortnately.

[rushes to 16.06pm to view the typo]

[points at LeQueen and says in a childlike manner 'oooooooh I'm tellllliiiing'

60 messages to go

I just love that about bullies though. They will say something utterly vile then send your head spinning with a 'but I was only joking'

Its called gaslighting I think

And that comment was vile joke or not. I am gald you find people with no confidence and self esteem funny. Easy to pick on aren't they?

LeQ The antibulling brigade are just too stupid to get it.

I dont think they will find that post appropriate. But its no different to what they are typing.....

55 to go...

LeQueen I responded to that argument ages ago.

It is logical fallacy to accuse someone who stands up to bullies a bully themselves. It is like accusing someone who has been bullied by their husband for years and then turns round and calls them a spiteful wanker a bully.

55 green bottles hanging on a wall....

This thread has disintegrated into a load of bullocks

lysithia , have we been bulling you for years? Or was what you typed an unprovoked attack on people with a sense of humour?

That's not gaslighting.