109: Should We Bully Immoral People? with Ellie Rushton
Sep 2, 2024
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Join Ellie Rushton, an expert in creating inclusive artistic spaces and a vocal advocate on TikTok, as she explores the intricate dynamics of bullying and accountability. She defines bullying and discusses its intentionality, contrasting it with the need for accountability. Ellie delves into the ethical nuances of online behavior, challenging the black-and-white notions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ people. The conversation highlights the role of compassion and the importance of boundaries in fostering constructive dialogue, urging listeners to reflect on their own online interactions.
Ellie Rushton emphasizes the necessity of cultivating bold spaces to foster authenticity and inclusion in various social contexts.
The podcast discusses the ethical complexities of bullying, especially in relation to holding individuals accountable for perceived immorality.
A key theme is the importance of balancing compassion with personal boundaries in relationships to promote honest communication and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
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Cultivating Bold Spaces
Ellie Rushton introduces the concept of 'cultivating bold spaces,' which empowers individuals to explore and expand their authentic selves within safe and inclusive environments. This idea, which originated in the performing arts, has broader applications in various contexts, aiming to break down barriers to authenticity. Ellie works with organizations focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion, highlighting that authentic connections can help overcome obstacles to personal expression. Her TikTok platform serves as a space for discussing these vital issues and exploring community and accountability in modern interactions.
The Ethics of Bullying and Accountability
A key discussion revolves around the ethics of bullying, specifically whether it is acceptable to bully those perceived as immoral. The conversation highlights the discomfort around the idea that some behaviors can warrant bullying as a corrective action, illustrating how societal norms often dictate reactions to perceived wrongs. Ellie emphasizes the importance of accountability in communities, inviting a nuanced conversation about what it means to call people in or out without crossing ethical boundaries. This exploration raises critical questions about the practicality and morality of collective bullying in the digital age.
Intention vs. Impact in Communication
The distinction between intention and impact becomes crucial when discussing online interactions and bullying. It is noted that a single negative comment can contribute to a larger collective bullying effect, even if each comment was made by different individuals. This reflects on how intention doesn't always align with impact, as someone may mean no harm individually, but collectively the comments result in significant distress for the target. Therefore, it's essential to consider how our words might contribute to the larger narrative of bullying within online platforms.
Compassion and Boundaries in Relationships
The dialogue addresses the balance between compassion and maintaining personal boundaries in relationships, emphasizing the importance of honest communication. It's highlighted that love can be unconditional, yet relationships require boundaries that protect one's well-being and emotional health. By recognizing the importance of stating one's feelings honestly—including the acknowledgment of hurt—it becomes feasible to avoid complicity in toxic dynamics. Ultimately, the conversation encourages fostering an environment where both individual safety and compassion for others coexist without leading to pursuing anyone's suffering.
Join us for today’s interesting conversation about ethics, boundaries, suffering, bullying, and being online/offline. There are many facets to these topics as they intertwine with morality, and we are diving into a discussion with Ellie Rushton,
Show Highlights:
Ellie’s background, work, and TikTok content about “cultivating bold spaces”
Ellie’s definition of bullying: “doing something harmful several times on purpose for the sake of someone’s suffering”
Thoughts on bullying and why people do it
Holding someone accountable vs. bullying—what’s the difference?
Ellie’s perspective on online comments to others’ content
Thoughts on the roots of inequality, oppression, and suffering—and the problem with categorizing “good” and “bad” people
People are afraid of embodying compassion.
What is effective in online spaces
Thoughts about boundaries, revenge, and retribution
Standing up for what you believe while holding yourself accountable
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