What should I do if another student openly insults me?

krm
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:24:33 +0000

Think basic psych learning theory: People sometimes are offensive to “get a rise out of you”. If you react, as in saying something back, they have succeeded, their offensive behavior has been “rewarded” and they are likely to persist. On the other hand, if you can effectively ignore the behavior, it goes unrewarded and is likely to extinguish.

It is possible to put what’s said in perspective, thereby avoiding giving consent to making you feel inferior (post #6), without overtly reacting to it. And is it really your job and worth your time and effort to “teach someone manners”?