[Ultimist]

I'm in Gary's corner 100%, but so far I don't feel what he is being subjected to has reached the level of "bullying".... YET...

But what we are seeing in how he is treated are all the prerequisite behaviors that LEAD to bullying on a more serious scale. In ways, the other housemates are "testing the waters" to see how much Gary is willing to take... and as time goes on, their behavior becomes worse after realizing he accepts most criticism and truly does try to work on things.

He actually handles himself quite well, and that is yet another thing that bothers the other housemates. They're failing to get under his skin as much as they'd like to. That's why tempers are escalating. They want him to be more bothered by what they have to say about him and how they treat him, but for the most part he's just not biting.

There's a quiet strength about him that is truly admirable. One can see that he does get a bit hurt by people's comments... especially when we see him alone and can tell that he is reflecting on things with a bit of regret.

Right now, Stephanie and James stand out as the two biggest potential bullies. Stephanie's behavior and treatment of Gary is disgusting and shameful. I know this couldn't be done without someone getting in serious trouble on the show, but when she was standing over Gary, screaming about how terrible and disgusting she thinks he is, I wished someone would have stood up and slapped her sharply across the face. She is an absolute abomination.

If George continues to "like" her after this, it says a lot about his character (or lack thereof) as well. If I were romantically interested in someone and saw them treat another person like that, the romantic feelings would fade and I'd be ashamed for ever having them.

So, no, what we are seeing is not technically bullying... but it is edging closer and closer as time goes on. And whether you call it bullying or not, one thing is certain. The behavior is UNACCEPTABLE.