LAST EDITED ON 11-29-08 AT 02:40 PM (EST)In the workplace (mine, anyway), this type of behavior is referred to as "horizontal violence". It is not a behavior typical of critical thinkers.
I think the use of the word "violence" is apt in describing how people attack others with words. Personally, I would rather be beaten senseless by "sticks and stones".
Meanwhile, getting back to Kenny; if he did, in fact, make those comments - "...me'thinks the lady doth protest too much".
ETA: Kenny being the "lady" in this case.