In a shocking turn of events, British actor Stephen Graham expressed his astonishment at the explosive popularity of the TV series ‘Adolescence’ in India. The show, which has seemingly resonated with Indian audiences, was a project that Graham had a sudden and intense connection with, recalling that the idea came to him in a flash. This unexpected phenomenon has left the actor reeling, and his reaction has sparked widespread interest. As we explore the reasons behind the show’s Indian success, a fascinating story begins to emerge – one of cultural connection, artistic vision, and the power of storytelling to transcend borders.
The Dark Side of Operation Christmas Child
Each and every year around this time, thousands of churches around the country participate in an organization called Operation Christmas Child. If you are unfamiliar with Operation Christmas Child, the gist is this: churches distribute pre-printed shoebox-sized cardboard boxes, which are then filled by families with toys, trinkets, and basic necessity items like toothbrushes and shipped off to children in non-first world countries so they can have something to open at Christmas time.
Franklin Graham’s Troubling Legacy
Supporting Operation Christmas Child means supporting the “ministry” of Franklin Graham. And Franklin Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, appears to be making a valiant attempt to go down in history as the Donald Trump of theology.
In the three years since I originally published this piece, he formally endorsed Trump’s campaign for presidency and has spent a huge chunk of internet bandwidth defending the administration’s every horrifying move. His Facebook and Twitter feeds are a never-ending font of racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic and otherwise bigoted vitriol.
Most of what he has to say is so nonsensically hateful it doesn’t bear repeating—but just to name a few doozies in recent years, Graham has called for Muslims to be barred from entering the United States, boldly proclaimed that the police-enforced lynching of black and brown men and women by the state is a result of their failure to comply with orders, led hundreds of thousands of followers in a boycott of Target not once but twice in an attempt to bully the company into conformity with his conservative gender roles and sexual ethic, and so many more—and much worse—things.
He even went out of his way to defend Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a man credibly accused of attempted sexual assault, violent alcohol use, and participating in gang rape activities. In short, Graham is a complete embarrassment to those who claim the name of Jesus in particular, religion in general, and basic human decency overall.
He’s the poster child for everything that’s wrong with American Evangelicalism, and he should step down from his position of authority and receive intense spiritual and pastoral counseling—not the largest salary for the CEO of any relief charity based in the USA.
Questionable Practices of Operation Christmas Child
The children these shoeboxes are going to do not actually need or have use for many of the things they contain. In fact, in many cases, they do not even know what to do with them! Sure, toothbrushes and the like are universal necessities. But beyond that, many shoeboxes get filled with with cheap, easily breakable trinkets and toys that adults, let alone children, in these countries do not even know how to use.
I have even heard stories of gloves, scarves, and hats being sent in boxes to children in countries where it never snows! Joelle McNamara, a former classmate of mine and founder of Kenya-based non-profit Badala, had this to say: “Toys don’t play as large of a role in East African culture as it does ours, so there really isn’t any need to send them by the
The Reality of Workplace Bullying
Shola’s Note: October is National Bullying Awareness month, and I am ready to shine as bright of a light as I can on this hideous epidemic this month, and beyond. Workplace bullying is destroying lives, and it’s time for us to put a stop to it.
If you don’t think that Workplace Bullying is “a thing,” just read the comments below for a serious wake-up call. And because of this, I’m taking the next step to bringing attention to (and ideally, ending) this soul-destroying issue, with my debut book, Making Work Work.
I know, I know…”hate” isn’t the most positive word in the world, and it’s not one that I throw around loosely, but I can’t think of a word that describes my feelings for bullies more accurately than hate. “Extreme dislike” is too weak for me.
Bullying in any form is unquestionably terrible, but I want to focus on a form of bullying that doesn’t always get the attention that it deserves. Specifically, I’m talking about workplace bullies.
Bullying in the workplace has reached near-epidemic status, and it’s time that we put an end to this behavior once and for all. This may sound ambitious, but my goal is that this post will mark the beginning of the end of bullying in the workplace.
I’m dead serious about making this happen. People have suffered for far too long at the hands of these sociopaths, and I’m calling for it to end now. And just like anything, it all begins with you.
The future of the workplace as we know it depends on all of us taking control of our work lives and eradicating workplace bullies starting today. In other words, it’s time for us to be the heroes in our own workplace story.
Fair warning, this isn’t going to be easy–but then again, this isn’t about doing what’s “easy.” This is about doing what’s necessary.
The Urgent Call to End Workplace Bullying
For the sake of simplicity, a workplace bully is basically anyone who makes your work life a living hell by contributing to, or creating, a hostile work environment.
This is usually done by using intimidation, humiliation, and constant criticism (and no, I’m not talking about the “constructive” kind) to demean you and your work.
Unfortunately, there’s much more to workplace bullying than merely the obvious stuff. Bullying at work isn’t all about belligerent yelling and screaming.
Some of the more passive-aggressive and lesser known bullying examples include, but are not limited to: purposeful exclusion from team meetings/activities, consistently taking credit for your work, sabotaging your work, overloading you with work or taking away all of your work, purposely withholding information from you, and spreading false rumors and gossiping.
There is an urgent need for this madness to stop. Why, you ask? Here’s why:
According to a recent U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey, 65 million U.S. workers are affected by workplace bullying. That’s equivalent to the combined population of 15 U.S. states. That’s a lot of people whose lives have been affected by workplace bullying—maybe you’re one of those people.
In a separate study, 71% of the respondents who were bullied at work were treated by a physician for work-related symptoms. 63% of workplace bullying victims saw a mental health professional for their work-related symptoms.
Some of these symptoms included, hypertension, sleeplessness, ulcers, severe mood swings, debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression, migraine headaches, relapse of previously controlled addictions, even post traumatic stress disorder.
Again, that’s a lot of people whose health has been affected by workplace bullying–maybe you’re one of those people too. In the most extreme cases, workplace bullying can even lead to suicide.
Thankfully, you’re not one of those people. If you’re a senior leader at a company and this post happened to make its way into your inbox, I hope you’re paying attention.
Defining the Enemy: What is Workplace Bullying?
The Urgent Call to End Workplace Bullying
For the sake of simplicity, a workplace bully is basically anyone who makes your work life a living hell by contributing to, or creating, a hostile work environment. This is usually done by using intimidation, humiliation, and constant criticism (and no, I’m not talking about the “constructive” kind) to demean you and your work.
The Effects of Bullying: From Intimidation to Hostile Work Environment
Bullying at work isn’t all about belligerent yelling and screaming. Some of the more passive-aggressive and lesser known bullying examples include, but are not limited to: purposeful exclusion from team meetings/activities, consistently taking credit for your work, sabotaging your work, overloading you with work or taking away all of your work, purposely withholding information from you, and spreading false rumors and gossiping.
Recognizing the Signs: How to Identify Workplace Bullying
There are many signs that can indicate workplace bullying. Some of the common signs include: feeling belittled, humiliated, or intimidated by a coworker or supervisor, being constantly criticized or yelled at, being excluded from important meetings or activities, being given unfair or impossible tasks, or being subjected to physical or verbal harassment.
The Prevalence of Workplace Bullying: Statistics and Stories
According to a recent U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey, 65 million U.S. workers are affected by workplace bullying. That’s equivalent to the combined population of 15 U.S. states. That’s a lot of people whose lives have been affected by workplace bullying—maybe you’re one of those people.
The Human Cost: Health Issues and Mental Health Concerns
In a separate study, 71% of the respondents who were bullied at work were treated by a physician for work-related symptoms. 63% of workplace bullying victims saw a mental health professional for their work-related symptoms. Some of these symptoms included, hypertension, sleeplessness, ulcers, severe mood swings, debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression, migraine headaches, relapse of previously controlled addictions, even post traumatic stress disorder.
Real-Life Examples: Why Workplace Bullying Must Be Taken Seriously
Workplace bullying can have severe and lasting effects on individuals and organizations. It’s essential to take workplace bullying seriously and address it promptly and effectively. By doing so, we can create a safer and more respectful work environment that promotes employee well-being and productivity.
Breaking the Silence: How to Address and Prevent Workplace Bullying
Creating a Safe and Supportive Work Environment
Creating a safe and supportive work environment is crucial for preventing workplace bullying. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, and ensuring that all employees feel valued and heard.
Strategies for Dealing with a Bully: From Reporting to Conflict Resolution
If you’re a victim of workplace bullying, it’s essential to know how to deal with the situation effectively. Some strategies for dealing with a bully include: reporting the behavior to HR or a supervisor, seeking support from a trusted colleague or mentor, and seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist.
A Call to Action: What Employers and Employees Can Do to Stop Workplace Bullying
Both employers and employees have a crucial role to play in preventing workplace bullying. Employers can create a culture of respect and inclusivity, provide training and resources to employees, and take prompt and effective action when bullying is reported. Employees can report bullying behavior, seek support from colleagues and supervisors, and take steps to protect themselves from further bullying.
Conclusion
In the recent interview with The Indian Express, Stephen Graham candidly shared his astonishment at the unexpected success of ‘Adolescence’ in India, a show that arrived at him in a flash of inspiration. This revelation highlights the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors and the power of timing in shaping artistic resonance. Graham’s remarks underscore the importance of being open to new ideas and experiences, as they can often lead to innovative and groundbreaking results.
The significance of ‘Adolescence’ blowing up in India lies in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with diverse audiences. This phenomenon speaks to the universal themes and emotions that exist across cultures, capabilities that make great storytelling truly timeless and impactful. As the global entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Graham’s experience serves as a reminder that artistic expression knows no borders and can evoke powerful connections with people from all walks of life.
As we move forward, we can expect to see more instances of creative endeavors finding unexpected success in diverse markets. Graham’s story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of artistic expression and the importance of being open to new ideas and experiences. Ultimately, ‘Adolescence’ is a shining example of how great storytelling can bridge cultural divides and leave a lasting impact on our collective consciousness.
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