Bullying has received a inordinate amount of attention recently. Many Americans, especially young Americans have been conditioned to fight bulling in all its forms. Anyone can become the victim of bulling. There are plenty of fancy buzz words increasing the feeling of importance for those who wield them. Moral crusaders will gladly take up any cause if there is even a whiff of bulling taking place.
Then I had an epiphany.
I can use these same buzz words to manufacture feelings of outrage during social situations. Even strangers will come to my aid if they are led to believe that a form of bulling is taking place.
This method is state of the art. I call it wallet shaming.
place yourself in a situation where you are with a group of friends and a sales person is attempting to sell something you do not want. Naturally they will attempt to take advantage of social proof and imply subtly to your group that you cannot afford whatever item is in question. You may feel pressure to make a purchase to protect your reputation. Resist this urge!
Instead, in a loud firm indignant voice say, "Are you trying to wallet shame me right now? Because I will not stand for it!" Congratulations. With this sentence you have labeled yourself a victim of bulling. Now watch as everyone within ear shot will jump at the chance to ridicule this hapless sales person. Not only will they not attempt to sell you anything further, it is likely no one else in the store will wish to purchase anything from a "bully".
The bystanders don't even need to know the situation. They will react forcefully simply because having an excuse to express righteous indigence is fun. Everyone enjoys feeling that they have the moral high ground and this gives them a perfect opportunity.
