Teasing comes in various forms. Some teasing is light-hearted and usually well-received. Some teasing is hurtful and not well-received. Some teasing moves into an arena called “bullying.”

All forms might derive from family, friends, work colleagues, and yes, even from strangers. The two major components are the intention and the receiving. That dynamic can be confusing, emotionally ridden with hurt, and, yes, plain funny. If both folks (if only two people are involved) smile, laugh or return a quick-witted jab, the experience might be entertaining. If, however, the intention, though unclear as to its integrity, fosters hurt and even anger, then someone has traveled over the boundary of non-threatening to threatening.

Now, I wanted the attention not only from adults, but also from youngsters. We’ve read literature, viewed movies and plays that brought to light school settings where friction and a conflictual dynamic took place. A classic case is the movie “The Breakfast Club,” where each detained student takes a turn jabbing one another. The verbal exchange, the body language and the end result is precious. Other movies have identified students making suspicious faces toward the new student.

Here’s where I want to take a stand. Too much teasing bordering on bullying takes place in schools both in and out of the classroom. With the emergence of a great diversity of students from different ethnic, racial and religious groups, everyone is challenged to decide how to relate. When I was in high school we had more religious diversity than ethnic or racial. Many faced torment from prejudice. The dynamics were evil, the pronouncement vile.

Today, I understand that those behaviors continue. I feel for all inclusive staff, students and parents. How do we rectify and ameliorate the situation? I can hear my conservative friends saying “here goes that liberal attitude.” You know what? Even with some certainty, not all students from countless diverse cultures tease if not bully. Teachers and administrators often feel helpless. How to intervene, how to stop the generational flow of uninterrupted ill-defined behaviors.

I’ve had counseled students who’ve described the onslaught of excessive teasing and torment. Little is done. Some who are considered “thin-skinned” might carry the repercussions for years. Ah, to be different and face adversity. Imagine being different academically, by body image, by racial, ethnic and/or religion and being accepted. We are all unique. Even identical twins have a unique spirit.

Outrageous teasing to get a cheap laugh, a thrill only realizes one’s immaturity. I realize that the pressure is upon parents. All of us must look within to discover the highest and best of who we are and what we can be. To interrupt that flow to be the recipient of an interruption is dehumanizing. Wouldn’t it be something if the person you teased and tormented grew up to be your boss? Let there be peace one Earth, and let it begin with me.

Marshall Greenstein, a Cassadaga resident, holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed mental health counselor in New York state. He has regular office hours at Hutton and Greenstein Counseling Services, 501 E. Third St., Suite 2B, Jamestown, 484-7756. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com