A bully is a bully

When I was a kid, I was called “Fatty Patty” until I refused to answer to it. My daughter was bullied in school and came home her freshman year very upset. I asked her if she was bigger than those calling her names. She said, “Yes.”

I’m a peaceful person at heart, but my response was “Mama Bear.” Ask them to stop. If they don’t, stand up to them and shove them in the wall.

She needed to stand up for herself. She had a choice to make. Bullies don’t like it when someone stands up because they’re cowards. If you stand up for yourself, they back off. However, if the principal caught her, accept the consequences.

She shoved one into the wall while others watched. Bullying stopped. A bully is a bully until you take a stand.

Attacks continue until called out.

Face it. Presidential bullying of citizens and leaders has been allowed with inappropriate language, demeaning behavior, name calling and disrespect. Primary targets have been women, people of color, immigrants and the poor.

When did bullying and cruelty become normal behavior? Similar behavior from previous presidents would not have been tolerated.

Leaders are supposed to lead by example. Young people copy what they see. When leaders use cruel language intended to dehumanize women, LGBTQ+ community and people of color, the behavior will be copied on playgrounds. Respect for human differences aren’t taught when leaders mock people with disabilities, home invasion victims or a person’s home country becomes a punch line in a speech.

Leaders have planted doubt by using terms like “fake news” and “alternative facts” to undermine the public’s trust of the free press. Leaders have behaved in ways that are cringe-worthy at least and cruel at worst.

The president’s behavior toward women is blatant misogyny. Webster’s Dictionary defines misogyny as “the hatred of, aversion to or prejudice against women,” and also refers to speech or behavior that reflects and fosters this prejudice. It’s different from “sexism” because misogyny focuses on hatred and hostility while sexism is subtle behaviors. Its roots are in male-dominated society and applied to individuals, systems, societies, cultures.

This President’s behavior isn’t new. People laughed at the Access Hollywood tape and “grab ‘em by the ****”. Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris were mocked during debates. After moderating a debate, he described Megan Kelly with inappropriate language. He ridiculed Senator Elizabeth Warren with ethnic slurs and used racist language about Congressional women of color. He pouted like a child when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and German Chancellor Angela Merkell separately confronted him as the only woman in the room.

Political party affiliation didn’t matter to him. He mocked the appearance of Republican candidate Carly Fiorina, Senator Ted Cruz’s wife and Republican candidate Nikki Haley, a woman of color. Marjorie Taylor Green has broken ranks and is now on the receiving end.

A bully is a bully. They cannot handle any criticism themselves.

Presidential battles with the press are well known. Rallies include pointing at the press designating them “Enemy of the People” and “fake news.” Reporters like Katy Tur, April Ryan and Yamiche Alcindor asked hard questions and were called out. Some men were targeted, but never with same the venom.

The filters disappeared in the second term. Surrounded by loyalists no one says, “No.” He ordered the Attorney General to file legal action against perceived enemies and failed to win in court. The Homeland Security Secretary terrorized immigrant communities, separated children from parents, arrested citizens, deported without due process and ignored Constitutional norms.

Attacks on female reporters recently escalated with attacks since Nov. 16 like “Quiet, Piggy.” Nov. 18-“Insubordinate.” Nov. 26- “Ugly inside and out.” Nov. 27- “Are you stupid.” Dec. 6- “Stupid and nasty.” Dec. 8- “Obnoxious” and “terrible.”

What mother or grandmother would allow similar behavior by a male offspring?

A bully is a bully until someone stands up. Women have been the president’s targets and have stood up. Repeatedly.

Standing up to the bully is the only way it stops. Elected leaders should figure it out. Are they afraid and why? The silence is deafening. A bully is a bully regardless of age or role.