Logo of MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching.

Compliments of Leo Reynolds via Flickr

Have you ever wondered why some people engage in “serial bullying,” when it’s common knowledge that this behavior is unacceptable? Pinker, in his book “The Better Angels of our Nature,” describes this anomaly. He asks if “our inner perpetrator white washes our crimes…in a campaign to exonerate ourselves.” He makes a case that those who commit heinous acts rationalize the reasons by exaggerating their perceived injury (and culpability of the victim) in a way that paints them as wronged. Turn the page…

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Logo of MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching.

Compliments of GrePC via Flickr

In the war of the mind I will make my stand (Casting Crowns).

I remember reading about a dysfunctional, codependent couple who engaged in a social sadomasochistic ritual each night. The wife (a stay at home spouse) experienced gut wrenching turmoil anticipating her husband’s reaction to dinner. To prolong her anxiety, he waited several minutes to either signal a “thumbs up” smirk, or conversely, displeasure – in which case the remainder of the evening was spent in miserable silence. Turn the page…

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