You Can’t Sit With Us

Friends

Should You Go to Your High School Reunion?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on March 1, 2022

10 things to consider when deciding whether or not to attend.

10 things to consider when deciding whether or not to attend.

Bullying

The Liability of Taking Sides

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on December 9, 2021

In an increasingly black-and-white culture, it's all too easy for us to eschew nuance and engage in tribalism.

In an increasingly black-and-white culture, it's all too easy for us to eschew nuance and engage in tribalism.

Bullying

New Situation, Same Old Bullying, Same Old Reactions

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on September 2, 2021

Processing one's past experiences of bullying does not protect you from future hurt. Cruel circumstances can still knock the wind out of you, and leave you scrambling to understand your reactions.

Processing one's past experiences of bullying does not protect you from future hurt. Cruel circumstances can still knock the wind out of you, and leave you scrambling to understand your reactions.

Embarrassment

Beyond the Obvious: Q-Defectors and Victims of Bullying

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on February 25, 2021

The lies stand exposed, but the fear and hatred have not dissipated. How will former QAnon adherents manage the cognitive dissonance—and the shame that often comes with it?

The lies stand exposed, but the fear and hatred have not dissipated. How will former QAnon adherents manage the cognitive dissonance—and the shame that often comes with it?

Bullying

Cyberbullying in the Time of COVID: 10 Things You Can Do

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on December 10, 2020

You child may not tell you about being cyber-bullied because they are afraid you will confiscate their technology.

You child may not tell you about being cyber-bullied because they are afraid you will confiscate their technology.

Bullying

2020 Election: A Logical Extension of Cancel Culture?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on October 29, 2020

As public outcries gain momentum, they spin. And, like a centrifuge, they separate out and "cast off." Context is lost as a denser element—the accusation—is extracted and used.

As public outcries gain momentum, they spin. And, like a centrifuge, they separate out and "cast off." Context is lost as a denser element—the accusation—is extracted and used.

Bullying

We’ve Heard It All Before, Boring

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on December 2, 2019

Students roll their eyes (which then glaze over) when they hear the word "bullying." What if we embraced their boredom as a strategy to engage them in new initiatives?

Students roll their eyes (which then glaze over) when they hear the word "bullying." What if we embraced their boredom as a strategy to engage them in new initiatives?

Media

When, Where, Why and Social Accountability

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on September 30, 2019

When we lose sight of "context," we may find ourselves clamoring for a reality in which the past can never be past.

When we lose sight of "context," we may find ourselves clamoring for a reality in which the past can never be past.

Bullying

Are We Instinctually Predisposed to Bully?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on August 13, 2019

Can we choose to limit freedoms and circumscribe anti-social impulses by willingly embracing codes of morality? Whose morality?

Can we choose to limit freedoms and circumscribe anti-social impulses by willingly embracing codes of morality? Whose morality?

Meditation

What if Bullies Were "Disciplined" with Meditation?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on June 26, 2019

What if bullies and disruptive students were sent to a meditation room, where they learned yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques?

What if bullies and disruptive students were sent to a meditation room, where they learned yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques?

Sex

Consent vs. Disregard of Boundaries

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on May 5, 2019

Disrespect for limits/boundaries is often venerated in American culture. Is it any wonder we have difficulties around the issue of "consent"?

Disrespect for limits/boundaries is often venerated in American culture. Is it any wonder we have difficulties around the issue of "consent"?

Health

Feel Good Alert: This 14 Year Old Is Making Change Happen

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on January 21, 2019

The Mindful Kids Peace Summit is the first-ever week-long social emotional learning (SEL) program geared to teens, and will be broadcast in middle and high schools across the globe

The Mindful Kids Peace Summit is the first-ever week-long social emotional learning (SEL) program geared to teens, and will be broadcast in middle and high schools across the globe

Embarrassment

Public Ridicule Is Not Against the Law

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on January 11, 2019

An Arizona high school requires low-performing students to wear a scarlet badge. This isn't against the law—but is it okay?

An Arizona high school requires low-performing students to wear a scarlet badge. This isn't against the law—but is it okay?

Bullying

Shaming Your Bully-Child

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on January 4, 2019

Before deciding it is bad parenting, think about the ways in which public humiliation (a time-worn, cross-cultural social control) is embedded in accepted parenting practices.

Before deciding it is bad parenting, think about the ways in which public humiliation (a time-worn, cross-cultural social control) is embedded in accepted parenting practices.

Anger

Drawing Boundaries Helps Forestall Anger/Stave off Bullies

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on December 11, 2018

13 tactics that will help girls draw boundaries and forestall angry "mean girl" behaviors.

13 tactics that will help girls draw boundaries and forestall angry "mean girl" behaviors.

Bullying

"Home Remedies" for Bullying

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on December 7, 2018

Shame and rejection are as painful as injuries that send you to the Emergency Room. Here are some home remedies that might help you through the holidays and through the New Year.

Shame and rejection are as painful as injuries that send you to the Emergency Room. Here are some home remedies that might help you through the holidays and through the New Year.

Bullying

Does Feeling Bullied Mean You Have Been Bullied?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on November 14, 2018

Revisiting the question raised by Melania Trump's claim to be "the most bullied person in the world."

Revisiting the question raised by Melania Trump's claim to be "the most bullied person in the world."

Bullying

Accusations of Bullying in the Senate Confirmation Hearings

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on September 30, 2018

What are the differences between claims of harassment in the judiciary hearings of 1991, and claims of bullying today? And what are the cultural implications of these differences?

What are the differences between claims of harassment in the judiciary hearings of 1991, and claims of bullying today? And what are the cultural implications of these differences?

Bullying

Do Anti-Bullying Laws Really Make Things Worse?

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on August 9, 2018

It is claimed that bullying laws do little more than make (devastating) lawsuits possible. But do we live in a litigious, blame-culture where lawsuits are like a legal lottery?

It is claimed that bullying laws do little more than make (devastating) lawsuits possible. But do we live in a litigious, blame-culture where lawsuits are like a legal lottery?

Laughter

Bullying and Laughter

Laura Martocci Ph.D. on July 19, 2018

Why would a museum exhibition showcase humiliation? Isn't the staff concerned that the exhibit will contribute to normalizing public shaming, which is the linchpin of bullying?

Why would a museum exhibition showcase humiliation? Isn't the staff concerned that the exhibit will contribute to normalizing public shaming, which is the linchpin of bullying?