This is the first article (Humanity’s Endless Struggle: Against Tyranny, Ignorance, and Slavery) on our series on Tyranny and how it applies as much today as it did in human history. Our point of the articles are to focus on the characteristics of what a tyrant is and how they target the population. We must learn the trick of the tyrants trade and call a spade a spade. We must educate the people to do the same thing. But we must not be one ourselves as we ferrett and call out the bullies who want to subjugate and enslave humanity in the selfish and collusive agenda.
I remember listening to talk radio while patrolling one day and hearing the commentator say that if you repeat something often enough, it can wear out by becoming apathetic, indifferent, and no longer effective.
That has stuck with me throughout life as I analyze what I have said and said, to the point that I do not want to take the meaning of something essential to act on or to accept as truth in my life.
As a police officer, elected official, parent, liberty-minded person, and someone working in the mental and behavioral industry, I am skeptical of government programs as they seem to fit this pattern.
One such program that I feel has done precisely what is described as cliched and worn out its effectiveness is the anti-bullying program in schools. When parents and kids hear it at first, they become sensitive to it and can sense it to the point of becoming hyper-vigilant about it, to the fact that everything is bullying. As time goes by, we become more numb and desensitized toward the act of bullying, even to the point of actually absorbing the qualities of a bully and becoming a tyrant.
My theory is that this is precisely why schools teach it. Over time, we become desensitized to the action of bullying and become apathetic, docile, and even compliant to the bullying that is happening throughout society.
We have been taught to identify bullying, but over time, we become complacent to the point of not being able to detect bullying coming from our own government. Most of the government has become bullies without realizing it, even defending and complicit in their tactics.
“Government has become ungovernable; that is, it cannot leave off governing. Law has become lawless; that is, it cannot see where laws should stop. The chief feature of our time is the meekness of the mob and the madness of the government.” ― G.K. Chesterton
(Source)
A tyrant can often exhibit the characteristics of a bully. Both tyrants and bullies may use intimidation, manipulation, coercion, and abuse of power to control and oppress others. They may also target individuals or groups perceived as weaker or vulnerable to assert dominance and maintain control. Both tyrants and bullies seek to instill fear, suppress dissent, and undermine the autonomy and well-being of those they target.
Characteristics of a bully include:
Aggression: Bullies often display aggressive behavior, whether physical, verbal, or relational, to intimidate others and assert dominance.Power Imbalance: There’s typically a power imbalance between the bully and their target, with the bully having more power, influence, or social status.
Intention to Harm: Bullies intentionally seek to harm, intimidate, or humiliate their targets, often deriving satisfaction from their actions.
Repetitive Behavior: Bullying often involves repetitive or sustained actions over time rather than isolated incidents.
Lack of Empathy: Bullies may lack empathy for their targets, showing little concern for the feelings or well-being of those they bully.
Seeking Control: Bullies often seek control or dominance over others, using bullying tactics to establish and maintain their position of power.
Social Manipulation: Bullies may manipulate social dynamics to gain support or followers, using peer pressure or social exclusion to target their victims.
Low Self-Esteem: Some bullies may have underlying issues with low self-esteem or insecurity, using bullying as a way to boost their confidence or assert their superiority.
While low self-esteem is often associated with bullying behavior, it’s not a universal characteristic. Some bullies may have a strong sense of self-worth or confidence, which they use to assert dominance over others. They may exhibit narcissistic traits, such as arrogance, entitlement, and a need for power and control, which contribute to their bullying behavior. However, it’s essential to recognize that bullying behavior is harmful regardless of the bully’s self-esteem level.
These characteristics can manifest in various contexts, such as school, work, or social settings, and can have serious adverse effects on the well-being of those who experience bullying.
One of the most important things we can do is self-evaluation and see if we fit into these molds as bullies and tyrants. As a father, brother, son, and someone in the community, I do not want to be a bully or a tyrant. I don’t want to associate with a bully or a tyrant. I don’t want to marry a bully or tyrant. I don’t want to work for a bully or tyrant. I don’t want a bully or tyrant working for the government in any capacity. I don’t want to elect a bully or tyrant. I don’t want a bully or tyrant running corporations.
I know that is pretty idealistic. I do not want the government to solve the problem. I want the individual to self-regulate, hold themselves accountable, be the change, and move away from such traits.
The opposite of a bully would be someone who promotes kindness, empathy, and respect towards others. This person would demonstrate compassion, consideration, and support for those around them rather than seeking to intimidate, control, or harm others. They would strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and they would use their influence to stand up for those who are being mistreated or marginalized. Essentially, the opposite of a bully is someone who embodies the qualities of a good friend, leader, or ally, willing to tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
We have too many bullies and tyrants; it is time for the pendulum to swing back toward self-mastery and stoicism.
