29/05/2022
https://pattonhr.au/
"Didn't you see the sign Dummy? No food or drinks on the rink!"
Yelled the bully in Stranger Things S4.
So I'm watching Stranger Things S4. episode 2 on Netflix, but what started out as a PG13 science fiction/fantasy TV series for lovers of this genre (in season 1) had morphed into a very definite MA rated horror-fest.... (Watch S4 episode 1 if you don't believe me!)... With some really horrible Bullies to top it off!
My interest in watching Stranger Things initially came from my adult kids who caught onto it early, fascinated by both the science fantasy themes, and the 1980's setting.
Being a Gen X in my 50's I found that the timeline in the series closely mirrored my time at high school in the early 80's, so I could relate to the VHS video store, the video games arcade, the huge walkie talkies, the box-shaped computer 'green' screens, the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons, living life on my push-bike, and the total lack of the technology that is intertwined with our daily lives today. Gees, life was simple in the 80's! We just didn't know it then.
"I am different. I do not belong...Anywhere" Eleven says of her traumatic experiences of bullying at her new high school in California.
"They're nobodies, and you're a super hero!" says her boyfriend Mike.
"Not anymore" says Eleven
I was bullied at primary school, and then at high school, so listening to those lines brought back memories of the occasions when I didn't feel safe, or liked, or happy.
And it made me reflect on the path I have taken through my life to where I am now; a middle-aged man, with a degree, certificates in training & small business, a veteran of too many workshops & work experiences to recall, and a holder of many different jobs ... but most significantly, and most importantly, a very lucky father of 4 incredible, talented, unique children.
So when I think about where I am now; with my own business, https://pattonhr.au/ that pursues the goal of training people about the hurt caused by bullying, harassment, violence and other toxic behaviours in the workplace; with a mission to help create a kinder, more respectful world; I know I'm in the place now that I'm meant to be.
And as far as my bullying was concerned; it stopped when I finally stopped running (in fact, I actually stopped peddling), from the two older high school bullies who were chasing me on their bikes for the umpteenth time... I'd had enough, and in that moment I decided to take the beating they were gonna give me as I was over being chased every day... But to my amazement, they turned around and rode away... And never chased me again.
Apparently, the thrill for them had been in the chase, so when I stopped, they stopped chasing me. I learnt a lot from that one experience in life.
At a workshop recently I asked people to raise their hands if they'd ever been bullied; at school, at work, by a sibling, anywhere.... and virtually every hand went up.
If you'd like to share your experience/s, you're very welcome to.
