HIV Longevity Still Fighting…

Can a Joke be a Form of Bullying?

I think about this question from time-to-time and have come to the conclusion that sometimes a joke is a form of bullying. Obviously mental bullying can be harder on a person than physical at times. I mean come on … We all know that some jokes can and do hurt feelings. With that in mind, doesn’t it become a form of bullying? I really put some thought into this one this morning when I received a message from a close friend (I don't wanna name any names, but his initials are Richard LaRusso). Before long, I realized that I had a blog post in the making. I thought about making a professional article to address this one, but then I decided to post our colloquial conversation instead.

So … Here is his message that had me putting on my thinking cap:

Hey bro!

I wanted to ask you about something. Somebody posted a picture on Facebook (you know the crap pics people post) and the joke was:
"Don't have phone sex, you might get hearing AIDS"

The reason I'm talking to you about it is, how do you handle this shit?

I mean, it's offensive to me, but at this point in your life does it not even phase you? Does it drive you over the edge? Do you make it a point to draw attention to crap like this so that everyone can see how ignorant it or the person is?

I'm curious because, if something is said that I disagree with, I either disagree or shut up -- but because I "sorta" know you, it just seems even more offensive.

I reported the post, by the way.

This question was deep. And, fantastic! It spawned the following response from me:

I really dig your honesty in asking me this. It ain't easy approaching someone affected by a hurtful joke and seeing what their take is. For that, my friend, you deserve kudos.

I tell ya, the jokes used to hurt. Honestly, they hurt deep. But, I have had and dealt with this for more than 25 years now (as you know). That said, I'm pretty immune to it. Especially immune to it on a social media site, where I expect it. Where it catches me off-guard (still to this day) is when someone says it to my face. You know, someone not realizing that I'm HIV+ simply says a rude joke without thinking. I usually chuckle, but I'm sure that I've caught other friends who see the half chuckle/half hurt look on my face. A few friends, like you, might even say, "hey fuckwad, that shit ain't funny." And, I appreciate the support 
qualify for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction. At present,otherwise there is the risk of permanent damage to the penis tadalafil.
doctor the risk puÃ2 be minimized.Animal studies levitra online.
* You may have seen recent articles in the media thattreatment of erectile dysfunction, psychogenic or organic, that is; it does not make sense viagra no prescription.
1. The need for dose titration or substitution of free viagra This definition fits perfectly with the “tecnicheâ diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that involve a.
which may benefit selected patients to various degrees. viagra canada ° you May need to make you check testosterone levels.
frequently cited, a study of the skin.but not only by acetylcholine. For in-kind and other contingencies generic viagra.
. The eerie part is that I often feel guilty in these situations, and that bugs me more than the confounded joke!

The tough part is, it isn't easy to discern ... I mean, if I was black, my friends wouldn't just spit out racial jokes ... You know what I mean? So, I can't really blame them for doing something stupid (which we all do at times).

That said, I think I would be wrong for trolling comments from unsuspecting people. I guess my point is: I would never ask someone what they thought about AIDS or HIV+ people before first letting them know that I was HIV+. I think that would be a bit of a dick move.

Thanks for the intellectual question. I rarely get them these days (everyone seems to kind of dumb it down on social media) ... I can really dig the philosophy of it all.

So, to answer your question, my skin is thick and I can take it, bro.

Have a great day!

As I thought about my buddy's question, and my response, I realized that this warranted a blog post ... Bullying seems to be a front-and-center conversation these days. Yet, I rarely (if ever) hear about a joke being a form of bullying. Please let me know how you feel about this subject in a comment below, or privately via email.

Your's truly,
Vaughn

If you dig, don't forget to share this article: