Is ignoring someone a form of bullying?

Answer 1

I don't think so.

I'd like to expand on this with some minor discussion points.

Among peers, singling someone out for shunning or choosing to ignore them, while not ignoring a whole group of which they are a member, is very rude. If done repeatedly to a particular person, some people might stretch that to bullying, but really it is a personal affront or insult, rather than an act of a bully.

If done deliberately and repeatedly by a boss, team captain, etc, that is, someone in a higher position, bullying may more easily apply because those persons are in charge of interacting with those on their team equally or in a non-prejudicial manner without regard to personal likes or dislikes; because that is a performance environment that ought to be ruled by logic, not a social environment ruled by emotions.

Bullies tend to take actions rather than make omissions, and focus their evils upon "targets" they have selected. Is the ignored person a target of other actions or schemes of the alleged bully? If not, then it is likely a case of personal rudeness or an affront. That is a different matter.

Ignorant people judge, dismiss, and affront others all the time. Such people are very selfish and do not practice etiquette, even though at other times they wear the mask of one who is a perfect gentleman/lady, especially when they want the favor of someone higher up or when they want something from someone. Could that person be a snob? a 'people user'? Maybe.

The best answer would be found by researching all dictionary definitions of bullying and applying that knowledge to the individual case.

The way to lessen the rudeness among peers (and avoid the possible appearance of bullying -as your question puts it) is to speak directly and non-emotionally to the other person and:

1.) If you are the 'bully', tell them you mean no offense but you do not want to interact with them except when necessary for official matters (law, school, workplace functions, etc.).

There is no need to give a reason but it will be awkward to not give one while remaining credible, and difficult to give one without creating some kind of offense. Singling someone out and ignoring them is always 'personal', whether it is something like an odor, or constant prattle, an attitude, or whether they are a notorious criminal. It's still personal no matter what.

A true bully won't bother to do the suggestions in this paragraph. A person that dislikes you for a specific reason -should- do this to "clear the air", but don't count on it.

or

2.) If you are the 'target', tell them that for some reason you think they are ignoring you, and most importantly ask them to speak plainly without risk of your taking offense, and answer as to whether they are ignoring you and why. There's no telling what the answer might be, but they will have to say something unless they wish to be seen as overtly ignoring you. In that case, there's your answer. Not a bully, just an extremely self-centered and rude person. Why worry about it in that case? Is such a shallow person worth the trouble to force or seek interaction with?

A true 'target' mentality will be nervous about this advice, but it is best brought out in the open between the parties involved. A rude person (not necessarily a bully) will usually have no problem laying out whatever insult or hate there might be. Whether or not it makes sense is another story.

These are just my opinions regarding intentional ignoring and regarding bullying and the differences between those acts. I hope they make sense. These are not professional opinions or actual instructions. I can't be responsible for the results of any discussions or actions/omissions. People are crazy. If there is a real problem, contact the authorities. Your question is too general to answer decisively.