it's remarkable how many people think the issue here is technology, as though people treated each other more respectfully before computers were widespread. the reality is that people have always spoken to and about each other like this. it's not "human nature", it's a function of social interaction. a corollary of existing in advanced societies.

so, yes, bullying can have some positive social aspects. some of those kids need to lose weight. i'd rather talk about the growing obesity epidemic. the peer pressure is an effective means of coercing kids that are raised poorly into better diet and exercise routines. obviously, gym class isn't working. in canada, especially, health is a public concern. i have no problem with this. in fact, i think it should be encouraged.

we can't be drawing equivalences between that kind of positive peer pressure and ignorant, racist stupidity. being fat is not the same thing as being black. accepting unhealthy lifestyles as "normal" is not the same thing as abolishing racism.

at the end of the day, people need to react. they can choose to ignore it and find a way to escape it, they can submit and change themselves or they can find something in between. but, this nonsense idea of total acceptance of everybody regardless of anything is neither realistic nor desirable.

the literature refers to peer pressure as an "informal social control". it's the kind of thing that requires development and fine-tuning in order to make the abolition of the state a feasible goal. and, so it's no coincidence that you get liberals and statists pushing the point of abolishing peer pressure so strongly - it cements their own place in society. it enforces the idea that we can't police ourselves, that we need a government to do it for us.

abolishing peer pressure would cut the bottom out of society. it's increasing atomization. right in line with the neo-liberal drive towards the cult of the self.

go ahead, eat yourself to a quick death. consume eight times as much food as you need. bog down health care resources. fuck your neighbours! and fuck anybody that wants to hold you to account for it!

you're an isolated individual with no connection to the world around you. it's your personal choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_kavukuKI