Bullying Behavior: Did Eddy McGuire’s aggressive comments normalize it?
Holding Media Moguls accountable!
Channel 9’s media mogul Eddie McGuire’s making demeaning and derogatory comments about The Age’s chief football writer, Caroline Wilson is a prime example of bullying behavior in its boldest form.
It’s not McGuire’s first insulting comment on air. He is notoriously known for his derogatory comments about Sydney Swans player Adam Goodes in 2013.
His comment about Ms Wilson further added insult to injury. He made it in the context of raising money for research into motor neuron disease. He suggested that he would pay $50,000 to see Ms Wilson drowned in a freezing tub. And others could pay $10,000 to leap on her.
McGuire ensured that other football luminaries were also involved in his “joke”. Those involved laughed on air at the supposed hilarity of the comment. This is very typical bullying behavior.
Except it’s not funny and in the light of workplace bullying, it’s worthy of serious consequences.
Media is big business and they need to be accountable
High profile media people, and in particular commentators, because of the nature of their work and the power of mass communication, need to be vigilant about what they say and the impact of their actions on those they influence. Increasingly the media is held accountable and responsible for how they perform their roles. The amount of litigation’s are a testament to that.
McGuire’s comment – making abuse of women OK?
McGuire seems to be unaware of the $60 million given by Turnbull’s government to help deal with the incidence of domestic violence in Australia. It also appears that the insensitive media mogul has little appreciation or understanding of the impact of domestic violence. Especially on those on the receiving end, including injury, psychological harm and death.
More serious consequences needed
In light of the ongoing focus of the increasing incidence of domestic violence, not only in Australia but world-wide, comments like this one made by McGuire need to have more serious consequences attached to them.
They need to learn that it’s never ok. No matter what the circumstances.
If there are no consequences (and in this case there were not) it makes a mockery of practitioners in the DV field who tirelessly work on, and have as their focus, the safe-keeping of women and children as their primary objective.
Apologizing begrudgingly
It took McGuire a while to apologize and even then many doubt his sincerity. It appeared he made it begrudgingly. It’s not the first time he has got into hot water with unnecessary stabs and unhelpful comments about high profile people. Yet he retains his well-paid position in front of the cameras and makes comments as he pleases. When will this man learn?
Why does he still have a contract? This is what people are wondering.
Get Serious
Unless there are ongoing consequences to this type of bullying behavior, that condones ill-treatment and aggression towards women. It will be increasingly difficult to change a society rife with domestic and familial abuse.
In the workplace
- Workplaces, regardless of size, need to have a zero-tolerance to bullying and harassment in their organisations.
- Deal with bullying behavior and implement consequences at all levels. Therefore termination of employment and legal action should always be an option.
- Make what behavior is acceptable at the workplace clear.
- Have organisational responses and consequences to this type of behavior, including termination the person’s contract.
For more information about how to deal with workplace bullying and harassment, contact us NOW on info@puremagicbusiness.com.au
Photo courtesy of www.heraldsun.com.au