What is an ear basher?

Ear basher refers to people who talk too much

This is in response to a Facebook status where the show on Channel 7 (Sunrise) was asking its viewers whether or not 'bullying' is an overused term, bandied about when some kid at school was experiencing conflict in the classroom or school yard, and adults these days are very quick to 'step in' and intervene, especially parents.  The likely outcome is that kids don't learn to handle conflict themselves when they have to face up to things in future (especially when they get to be adults).

Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/Sunrise/posts/10151617619760887

Of course, there is a range of answers going from 'kids need to learn more respect' to 'I've been bullied and nothing was done'.

However, some adults I know are no better than kids.  There are two women at my work, both of whom speak Chinese and someone else (who is also from a non-English speaking background) complained about them and told them to 'shut up'. 

However, they are both people you could call 'ear bashers', and not only do they talk constantly and loudly, but talk in that whiney, 'grate-on-the-ear' tone of voice that you often cop from people of that nationality.  It's not only us 'whiteys' who have complained, but the other Asian women as well (who don't speak Chinese).  Even our Shift Manager, (who is also Chinese) had to speak to them, because it was driving everyone else mad.

I don't wish to 'lambast' every Chinese person I know, but they are two examples of such people who have learned not only to play the 'race' card but also the 'I'm being bullied' card as well.  The reality is that both individuals have failed to treat others with common courtesy and consideration, and trying to ask them nicely to 'keep their voices down' is like talking to a brick wall.  They also use language to 'exclude and intimidate' other people, well at least one of them does.

Then they wonder why they are being told to 'shut up' when the others are at the end of their tether with these people, and the rest of us feel like we are the ones who are victims because we have to put up with this unnecessary daily assault upon our eardrums.

(no) cheers,