One way to explore this issue is through a learning allegory called the “Allegory of the Clan,” inspired by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The purpose of this thought experiment is to raise awareness about victimization, abuse of power, corruption, and the importance of accountability through principles of enlightenment. Meaning that as people become aware they also grow and develop themselves. As we develop as a people we have changed (i.e. slavery given way to segregationism and giving away to hopefully something better.) It examines how harmful behaviors can sometimes become normalized when systems fail to properly respond or when influential individuals enable misconduct instead of correcting it. Creating stronger more trustworthy healthy institutions is part of a patriotic duty. Awareness leads to greater change and it is important for those who know to help those who are more ignorant of the purpose of our society or the impact poor behaviors create.
In this allegory, some individuals profit socially, politically, or financially from fear, division, and hostility (i.e. forgive them for their ignorance but do not forget their behaviors least they continue on for long periods of time and put others at risk. It is a duty to do good with bad.). They may target others because of financial beefit, race, religion, beliefs, or personal differences. They spread rumors, retaliate against criticism, violate privacy, undermine freedom of speach, suppress certain religious beliefs and have no problem telling the victims that, intimidate witnesses-whistleblowers, and attempt to isolate victims to encourage more harm. These behaviors are often justified by prejudice, group loyalty, or extremist thinking. Over time, this can erode public trust and weaken the principles of fairness, equality, and freedom that democratic societies are supposed to protect. We have a responsibility to protect what is right and good no matter the consequences. Those who are doing the right thing have greater respect for our patriotic principles (..the values applied equally and not nationalistic identity) ☝
At the same time, it is important to recognize that most people within institutions — including law enforcement, courts, and public service — genuinely try to do the right thing. Strong institutions depend on ethical leadership, accountability, and public trust. We need more of these good people and we should encourage the young to get involved in these fields. The goal is to strengthen institutions by addressing misconduct when it occurs. That can have long-term social and economic impact on society and those who undermine these values undermine their institutions and society in general-part of the reason why hate and corruption are selfish acts. This will become more clear as time goes on and the long-tail impact on economic and social health.
The allegory also highlights how bullying can appear in both subtle and obvious forms. A microaggression may involve someone making unnecessary personal criticisms or quietly attempting to provoke conflict through gossip or social pressure. In this example, a good mother being criticized by people she doesn't know through group coordinated microaggressions. In this example a visitor mother dancing and having a good time with her young daughter was worthy of a hate group member comments. That person has no business commenting or commenting to those in the victim's social group. They have also undermined parents rights in other places through patterned behaviors. That includes teaching their own kids how to bully.
A more aggressive second example may involve open intimidation, harassment, risks of violence, or attempts to publicly discredit someone without justification. These behaviors can escalate when individuals feel protected by social influence, corruption, closed clan aligned courts, or lack of accountability i.e. the corrupted extremist official trying to pick a fight yelling "liar liar" even though the victims know nothing of the person, were not engaged in a conversation with that person, nor what they would have said that would have been a lie. Months later the same corrupted official allegedly brow beat one of the victims when they were trying to go grocery shopping. Normalizing bad behaviors and group coordinated bullying and threats. Do not generalize to the vast majority of good people doing the right thing. Instead support good officials and vote for the best and brightest versus the most connected. Break the silence code.
The positive side of this discussion is that societies can improve. Awareness, transparency, and accountability help communities learn from past failures and strengthen protections for everyone. Public discussion, ethical leadership, and better checks and balances can help prevent abuses of power and protect civil rights, human rights, and freedom of speech.
An important lesson from this allegory is the value of documentation and peaceful challenge. When people document harmful behavior, support victims, and encourage accountability, they help create safer and more just systems. The purpose of speaking out is not revenge or punishment for its own sake, but preventing harm, improving institutions, and protecting future victims. Things should always be done in the spirit of improvement. Don't be like your persecutors because that will never foster a higher moral order or higher functioning society (Such people once thought slavery was saving the souls of others but no one saved their soul).. Focus on improving the world around you.
Ultimately, healthy societies depend on fairness, empathy, accountability, and equal treatment under the law (dumping on the victims or creating secret deals or target lists are not acceptable.). Addressing bullying, corruption, violations of human and civil rights, and extremism requires communities to support ethical behavior, reject dehumanization, and continue building systems that serve everyone fairly and responsibly. There are oaths we swear to the enlightenment principles and the society we created. Current, past, and future victims should have some rights even if extremism, corruption and hate have been normalized. Let us support the vast majority of good officials who are doing their job with integrity and remove those engaged in corruption, hate, and bullying. Keep in mind this is just a learning example to get you to think. You don't need to agree.
*The Allegory of the Clan is a philosophical, theoretical discussion so take with a grain of salt. One can come to whatever solution they desire as long as they thought about it. A thought experiment fashioned as a modern version of the Allegory of the Cave.
Considere the study below and some organizations that might help. Donate to non-profits and other organizations.
Workplace & Professional Advocacy
Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI): While not a Michigan-exclusive non-profit, WBI provides extensive resources for Michigan employees facing psychological harassment at work. They offer research, legislative advocacy (including the Healthy Workplace Bill), and peer support networks.
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): A state agency that functions alongside non-profits to investigate complaints of harassment and bullying based on protected classes (race, gender, age, etc.). They provide mediation services which can be a path for adults to resolve bullying in professional or housing settings.
Community & Legal Support
Michigan State Bar Foundation (Legal Aid): Many adults bullied in the workplace or community require legal intervention. This organization supports various non-profit legal aid clinics across the state (like Lakeshore Legal Aid or Michigan Legal Help) that assist low-income adults with stalking, harassment, and workplace disputes.
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU): Headquartered in Dearborn, this non-profit conducts extensive research and advocacy regarding religious-based bullying and discrimination affecting adults and families in Michigan.
Adult Bullying and Its Impact on Health and Well-Being
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