Teasing & Taunting:
Barbara Colorosa in her
book, “The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander,” makes a very power
distinction in the use of words involved with the ‘bullying’ discussion. Many
programs teach that any teasing equals ‘bullying.’ Barbara suggests that
teasing is something most of us do in our friendship and within our families as
something that adds fun and enjoyment to our lives. In teasing roles can
change, there is not an imbalance of power, and its intent is fun, and not to
harm or hurt. In a friendship or family if teasing goes too far it is talked
about and apologies are made, and the ‘teaser’ recognizes that a line was
crossed and the behaviour stops. Barbara suggests that taunting is a word that better describes an aggressive and
intrusive behaviour that is part of bullying behaviour. With taunting there is
a power imbalance, there is intent to harm and humiliate, and the behaviour
continues even when requested to stop.