According to UNICEF, there are few indicators that can help differentiate between a joke and bullying:
1. Intent: The intention behind a joke is to create humor, laughter, or amusement, without causing harm or distress. On the other hand, bullying is intentional and aims to hurt, humiliate, or intimidate someone.
2. Power imbalance: Jokes are often shared among individuals who have an equal and mutual understanding, without any power imbalance. Bullying, however, involves a power differential, where the bully tries to assert power and control over the victim.
3. Repeated negative behavior: Jokes might be a one-time occurrence or may occur occasionally between friends, while bullying includes repetitive negative actions, targeting the same individual repeatedly.
4. Impact on the victim: Jokes generally have a light-hearted impact, and all parties involved find them funny. In contrast, bullying causes emotional distress, humiliation, fear, and harm to the victim.
5. Consent and laughter: Jokes require consent and laughter from all parties involved. If someone is hurt or offended by a so-called "joke," it can be a sign that it has crossed the line into bullying.
It is important to note that the distinction between a joke and bullying is not always clear-cut, as it depends on the context, perception, and impact on the individuals involved.
According to UNECEF, how can you tell the difference between a joke and bullying?
1 answer