Some thoughts on intimidation:
Intimidation creates a climate of fear by giving others the impression that the intimidator is powerful and able to inflict harm on those who do not comply.
It is a common behavior within systems governed by deception and corruption.
Intimidation creates a climate of fear by giving others the impression that the intimidator is powerful and able to inflict harm on those who do not comply.
It is a common behavior within systems governed by deception and corruption.
Intimidation carries risk for the manipulator because it is easier to spot than other forms of coercion.
So threats are intentionally vague, falling just short of specific references to harm, while still leaving the target with a clear feeling of fear.
So threats are intentionally vague, falling just short of specific references to harm, while still leaving the target with a clear feeling of fear.
Because of the risk, intimidation is often reserved for isolated and private encounters, unless the intimidator feels threatened or believes he can get away with the behavior because he has control over the surrounding community. He might believe he is above accountability.
Those who use intimidation to control have also learned many other tactics of coercion. A person who intimidates others is likely a seasoned manipulator.
Left unchecked, the intimidator will use threats with increasing freedom as boundaries that govern behavior are renegotiated.
Left unchecked, the intimidator will use threats with increasing freedom as boundaries that govern behavior are renegotiated.
A person who dissents says, “I will not be controlled be fear.”
Intimidation is then unlikely to work with someone who has decided to speak the truth about the abusive intimidator.
So the intimidator turns to what I call “tarnishing.”
Intimidation is then unlikely to work with someone who has decided to speak the truth about the abusive intimidator.
So the intimidator turns to what I call “tarnishing.”
A threatened intimidator will tarnish the credibility of those exposing his wrongs.
He’s not so interested in controlling the behavior of the truth-teller as much as he is concerned about controlling public perception of the truth-teller.
The public becomes his target.
He’s not so interested in controlling the behavior of the truth-teller as much as he is concerned about controlling public perception of the truth-teller.
The public becomes his target.
Those who engage in tactics of intimidation and condemnation can be dangerous.
it is not a danger born of strength, but of weakness, fear, and insecurity.
it is not a danger born of strength, but of weakness, fear, and insecurity.
