Stalker Persona

For years I have been a subject of stalking and mob bullying in Vancouver. It has been a lesson in human psychology and social humping. One of the positions in a mob bullying ring is the Stalker. By definition a Stalker is one who engages in Stalking. The act of Stalking refers to "unwanted or obsessive attention by an individual or group toward another person". "Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring them". The stalking definition, I find, is very similar to the definition of harassment: “Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.” One could say that stalking and harassment are synonymous. I’ve noticed male and female stalking is significantly different. A male focuses on observation from a distance with patience, quite persistently so, whereas the female stalker initiates intrusive measures while attempting to remain incognito or under the guise of something else.

Stalking really comes down to predatory behaviours with the intention of “taking down” the prey by the predator(s). The example of Senior abuse by scam artists uses a very similar technique, preying on the trusting vulnerability of a senior. I’m often amused that so many people forget humans are animals, just like hyenas, baboons and lions and the human instinct and behaviours are mammalian in origin. Many references use the term, "victim", whereas I prefer the term, "target" for the intended recipient of the stalking and bullying. Targeted Individual (TI) is a term used in gang stalking and bullying. Just like a bullseye, the bullying mob goes for the target's red dot on their back/forehead/social status/etc. with the intention of removing self-sustainability (finance), social status (reputation), mobility (safety), functionality (ostracism), etc.

A few months ago I was outside in the park and noticed a problemsome neighbour lurking from across the street. It really was funny to watch the sneaky yet unsure behaviour. It reminded me of a cat, checking to see if anyone was noticing and then slowly moving forward with hesitation towards the target. I, the target, was in a different place than anticipated. A strange thing that I've noticed with stalkers is that they typically have squinty eyes when they are stalking. I knew there was something going on but not sure exactly what. Within days this stalker confronted me. Within a few weeks the City of Vancouver showed up to do an inspection and complaint letters had been sent to the landlord. Since this time, the neighbour has followed me along streets and participated in hate gossip.

A Stalker also looks for opportunity when a targeted individual is alone. Solitude is dangerous for a Targeted Individual. When the target is alone it is a chance for the stalker to bring the situation to the next level. Verbal or physical confrontation, backing the individual into a corner or confinement are the next steps in the intimidation process. The target will either "fight" or "flee". Any attempt by the target to do either will be brought forward to the authorities as "dangerous", "aggressive", "unstable", "paranoid" or "mentally ill", with the stalker denying any involvement in stalking or confrontation. In mob bullying, additional stalkers join the participation in stalking to further intimidate the target based on the description by the primary stalker of the "incident". The target is made out to be "playing the victim" and described as the perpetrator.

Signs you are being stalked:

• repeated walk/drive-bys by the same individual(s)/vehicle
• lurking behaviour which may include visual determination if you are alone, and once determined that you are not, the individual leaves
• requests for odd information that is not the business of those who ask
• multiple complaints to authorities that may be half-true or completely false
• expressing concern to an authority figure may intensify stalking
• excessive criticism
• increased interest and observation of what you are doing by an individual or several individuals
• being repeatedly photographed via cell phones or cameras
• an aquaintance becoming particularly friendly, later to want nothing to do with you once they have their information
• friends or family are asked questions about you by an aquaintance(s)
• perpetual existance of an individual between an area the targeted individual requires ie bathroom, laundry room, grocery store, etc.
• following an "incident", enquiries/discussion as to the results or "damage" are made of you
• particular interest by individuals of your intended "escape plan" with added suggestions
• requests for dealing with stalking to authority figures is met with a pre-conceived notion of who or what you are like. This particularly includes political or/and power figures.
• damage or vandalism to home/office/work/vehicle
• an individual from work/home/etc showing up at non-related venues
• a previous problemsome co-worker shows up at your new employer. This is particularly difficult to deal with in retail or service jobs

This list is quite extensive and certainly does not cover all of the possible signs you may be stalked. Dealing with stalking includes reducing availability to stalkers, randomly changing routines, walking with someone, making others aware of what is going on. Stating clearly to the individual, "You are stalking me!" or try something overly nice like, "Hi Sharon, nice weather we're having!" or "Nice to see you John!", within the ear-shot of others. Acting as if you are photographing them when they are photographing you. Mob bullying makes it particularly difficult to count on authority figures as they work as a group to discredit the target. This also makes going to the police particularly difficult and probably not the best choice.

Georgia Viaduct & The Tsunami

There has been much talk about the removal of the Georgia Viaduct in Vancouver. Historically the area of Vancouver between where False Creek ends and the Burrard Inlet were tidal flats. If a severe earthquake happens in the waters of Georgia Straight and a Tsunami happens, it could potentially  flow up False Creek across to the Burrard Inlet thereby cutting off the downtown core of Vancouver from the rest of the Lower Mainland. By removing the Georgia Viaduct and not looking to upgrade the structure as earthquake proof is basically ensuring the downtown core becomes cut-off from the surrounding area if the Burrard, Granville and Cambie Street bridges are destroyed or damaged, if that could happen. We so quickly forget the bridge damage of the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco. Just watch the Tsunami affect on this village in Kamaishi, Japan.

Ok, now imagine that same force coming down False Creek in Vancouver and flowing into the China town area. Many people forget that a good portion of what we see today as land now was actually filled in areas of False Creek. It is also the lowest area of the downtown area connecting the rest of Vancouver. So, when you think about it this way, let's just remove the only possible means of leaving the downtown core after an earthquake and Tsunami that destroyed or damaged the other bridges. I'd say it makes logical sense. In this 1893 map transposed over a Google map, the area of False Creek was much larger and extended far past the current Science Word in the direction of Terminal Ave., all the way to Clark. I often wonder where the logic is to the management of Vancouver although I have long realized common sense is secondary to political motivations. The viaduct is a vital means to avoid slower traffic and street lights. It was, unfortunately, the only part of a city highway that should have been built.

Vancouver Parking Lot

Vancouver - a place I've called home for most of my life. It has changed significantly in my life and I wouldn't say for the better. The traffic has gotten so bad, it made the top of the TomTom list of worst traffic in North America, tied with Los Angeles. The citizens decided that Vancouver was not going to have a highway through to the centre of the city in the 1970's. Instead, vehicles across the city sit at traffic lights wasting gas and polluting the air. Trucks still need to deliver product. Cars still need to drive into and out of the city. Travel within the city can take up to twice as long as it should, but that doesn't matter to those who feel everyone should walk, use transit or a bike. I like my vehicle and find it helps with getting groceries, travel, camping, visiting friends and family, doing things that are not on transit lines and, besides, I have a bad back and can't ride a bike and have trouble with getting on and off a bus. Forcing everyone to use these forms of transportation is discriminatory.

With the advent of the new Port Mann bridge, I can only see a serious gridlock of traffic in Vancouver. Talking about Port Mann bridge, I wonder why they didn't use the old bridge for trucks only. Actually, a truck only lane all the way from Langley to Vancouver would have been smart. If money and economics are the name of the game, time=money and faster transportation of goods makes good economic sense for the province. A friend of mine, who used to work for the Washington DOT and designed roads and highways, often laughed at Vancouver roads. Anyone driving in from Seattle along the 99 gets dumped into messy traffic as it turns into Oak Street. All-of-a-sudden, you're driving on a 6 lane road past residential homes and numerous lights and side-roads. Following Granville is no better. The signage is pitiful, if nonexistent. I've often seen it as unwelcoming and confusing, particularly to visitors. Watching the development of Vancouver's roads and highways is like watching a slow moving traffic accident happen.

The City of Vancouver is busy building a greenway and bike lanes on Comox Street with a budget of $5.46 Million. While I hear the machinery outside, I read about the hundreds of people turned away at shelters during the below-freezing weather. I see Gregor Robertson, the mayor, has his priorities in place. Biking before people. Sorta like his focus on turning front lawns into wheat fields instead of addressing the potential for a Stanley Cup riot which ended up costing $5 million. While some take so much concern over whether they are eating organic or not, others try to find a place to sleep and something to eat, just to survive. The socio-economic positions get further and further apart. The most livable city? Not for everyone.