How Insecure People Resort To Intellectual Harassment

When we think of bullying, we usually associate it with various types of physical and verbal aggression. We also associate it more with people of school age. In addition, we find that this bullying often takes place online, through social networks. But there are also other more subtle ways in which people bully or intimidate others. This is done, for example, by humiliating and using sarcasm. This form of suppression is also known as intellectual harassment or intimidation.

Intellectual bullying has received much less attention and recognition than other forms of bullying that are better known. But this doesn’t mean it does less damage. Because this form of psychological violence does not only have consequences in adult life. It is also very painful for those who suffer from it during childhood.

Intellectual harassment and hierarchy

Intellectual “hierarchy” is a way of classifying people according to their education and their school diplomas. We play out this division from childhood. At the top are the people with a higher level of education, training and qualifications. At the bottom we find the people who have received little education and have very few qualifications. The problem occurs when people at the top of this hierarchy mistakenly belittle people in lower positions.

Some people flaunt this “intellectual superiority.” They use it to bring others down. This behavior is a form of psychological suppression known as intellectual bullying or intimidation. We must not overlook this attitude. Because it causes great damage and suffering. Intellectual bullying is no different from physical bullying. Both forms can have a devastating effect on the victim’s self-confidence.

According to scientists, humiliation in any form activates the areas in the brain associated with pain. So also intellectually. It elicits a more intense and prolonged response than joy. It is also much more negative than anger.

Humiliating another person is one of the cruelest things in existence. We discuss here the type of people who often display this form of behavior.

The Intellectual Bully

The “intellectual bully” is usually more intelligent than the average person. That is precisely why he considers himself superior to the people around him. As a result, this way of thinking leads him to treat other people with humiliation, contempt, and sarcasm. He does this somewhat to assert his superiority. But what he actually does with all these behaviors is betray the insecurity he tries to hide from others.

Another characteristic is his contemptuous attitude. The uncertainty that grips him is hidden behind his big words and arrogant sentences. In doing so, he tries to confirm his intelligence and his superiority. For these reasons he also uses very technical, ingenious and difficult words. Because with this he wants to give others the feeling that they are stupid and inferior.

A question

This is a question you should think about. Aren’t these exactly the kind of people who are revered and praised in the media? Aren’t the hottest shows on television the ones where audiences love to see this kind of behavior?

In a way, people who use physical violence are more likely to learn their lesson. For they will find that a civilized society will not tolerate their actions. But unfortunately intellectual bullies are in a better position. For they acquire, as a result of their intelligence, a status in society. This is because their “intellectual superiority” is often rewarded. This situation means that they will continue to show their so-called intelligence. Nor will they question their intimidating and humiliating attitude.

The Consequences of Intellectual Harassment

Intellectual harassment has long-term devastating effects.  For example, suppose you study in a competitive environment. “Intellectual superiority” is of great value here. This causes deep and long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma.

People who are victims of this kind of oppression often suffer a serious damage to their self-esteem. They also tend to lose confidence in themselves. Then they stop taking the initiative and become discouraged. We should also not forget that this form of intimidation is the cause of a large proportion of suicides among young people.

But intellectual bullying or intimidation also affects the bully. In the long run, the intellectual bully eventually becomes a victim of his own game. On the one hand, the people around them will finally discover what cruel and toxic people they are. They will choose to stay away from them. On the other hand, there is their insecurity that drives them to humiliate others. In the long run, this will prevent them from fully developing and taking full advantage of their potential.

To educate is also to teach compassion and humility

In general, these types of bullying are the result of a lack of compassion. When the attackers hurt their victim, they do so deliberately. Because if they were really concerned about the other person’s feelings, they wouldn’t have intimidated or bullied them in the first place. So it is clear what one of the solutions is to tackle this problem of intellectual hierarchy. The person must realize that compassion and empathy are needed. Instead of trying to fit into an intellectual hierarchy, we need to apply our knowledge. We can make it our own and then use it to help others.

Aristotle said, “to teach the mind without teaching the heart is no education at all.” From this point of view, both the “intelligent” and the “inferior” people can benefit from each other. The latter acquires a better understanding of the world. At the same time, the former learns to be more compassionate and humble.