A recent study conducted at Kansas State University showed that although teasing is not done with the intention of harming, it is received as something negative and consequently generates destructive or harmful effects on the person being teased. The context and personal background also play a very important role in the damage or not that a teasing can cause.
However, teasing is not an exclusive issue for children or young people. It also occurs between adults, between spouses, siblings and relatives.
We have heard a lot about bullying and the unfortunate consequences that this brings, especially to school-age children.
A recent study conducted at Kansas State University showed that although teasing is not done with the intention of harming, it is received as something negative and consequently generates destructive or harmful effects on the person being teased. The context and personal background also play a very important role in the damage or not that a teasing can cause.
However, teasing is not an exclusive issue for children or young people. It also occurs between adults, between spouses, siblings and relatives.
The one who mocks, tries to ridicule the other with words or gestures. He laughs at what he says or does and generally looks for accomplices, other people who follow him in his eagerness to joke at the expense of another without taking into account how his joke is harming his victim or not. They use the different appearance, the way they dress or walk, some physical or mental disability, to humiliate, embarrass or ridicule another.
Usually, teasing is an act of cowardice and a display of poor wit because frequently the teaser is a person who has been mistreated, lacks things and uses resentment and hatred. They are conceited, hateful, make themselves look like the smartest and take pleasure in marking their territory at the point of humiliating others.
The mocked, and humiliated, is the victim of the joke. Complex feelings drown his mind and he feels hurt, disrespected, worthless because the teasing is a direct and personal attack on his self-esteem. If he is a boy. In the same way as his aggressor, he keeps that grudge and in the future he will do the same. This is emotional abuse, and it happens not only in schools but also in the workplace, and the damage can be so severe that many end in suicide.
What can we do?
Foremost, if you or someone you know is experiencing bullying or emotional abuse, report the situation and seek professional help. Coach Ana Escamilla writes on her website "you have to be very clear that the problem is not with the person who is the victim of a joke but with the person who makes the joke" and adds: Because they project all their frustration and/or resentment in what they see. Because that way they can feel superior. (Deep down they know they are inferior) To be funny and/or attract attention.
Additionally
• Avoid the person making fun. • Ignore her as much as possible. • Use humor. • Confront the person with an assertive conversation, explain what you don't like, seek agreements and peace. Try to put him in your place. • Do not be a victim, it is your decision. Don't give power to their words and their gestures. • Work on your self-esteem, remember how much you are worth. • Document offenses and talk to someone. • Seek help.
As the 20th century writer Milan Kundera said, "Mockery is the rust that corrodes everything it touches." Mockery as a harmful action, which threatens something or someone. But he who makes fun of another will also be affected by it, just as rust expands and corrodes, affecting everything it touches. So no one should make fun of another so no one gets hurt.