Years ago in high school, I walked my girlfriend to class. It was a normal day except for something that enfolded right before my eyes. I saw this bully approach a smaller boy, smaller in
stature, quiet and unassuming; his victim. The
bigger boy backed by five other tough guys asked the little boy for a
quarter. The smaller boy attempted to
comply by first opening up his locker and placing his books in it. The bigger boy kept on hounding him to hurry
up, classes were about to start. Several
teachers witnessed this event but did nothing. It was well documented that these thugs had a reputation of violence and some had criminal records. So when the little man began pulling money from his pocket the bully slams a fist on the boy’s jaw
knocking him down. The frenzy began; his partners hoot and hollered, screaming and laughing, encouraging him on to finish the job which the bully gladly obliged by throwing punch after
punch.
I was several feet away.
Other witnesses spread out not wanting to be near this horrific event. I couldn’t just watch. Mind you, I was a good soaking wet 110 lbs., outweighed and outmatched. I could handle perhaps one of the five bullies but not all. Knowing full well, trying to get between this mess was suicidal, I told myself, "The heck with it." I jumped in, grabbed the attacker by the back of his shirt, spun him around and slammed him against the other side of the wall. Bang! The sound echoed throughout the hallway.
Silence.
One of the teachers screamed something stupid like "You boys stop this instantly!" My girlfriend helped the injured boy escape while all attention was centered on me and how I was going to respond to a bee hive of activity. Other teachers who saw the situation started placing calls to the front office to call the police. Circled by six very powerful bullies with evil intent in their eyes it was not going to be good. Then out of the blue, a football buddy of mine stepped in and stood beside me. He said, “Okay. Looks like we’ve got an even fight now. So who’s first?” The bullies sneered and walked away. Appears it was okay to whup on one small and defenseless person, but two was too much for them.
I was several feet away.
Other witnesses spread out not wanting to be near this horrific event. I couldn’t just watch. Mind you, I was a good soaking wet 110 lbs., outweighed and outmatched. I could handle perhaps one of the five bullies but not all. Knowing full well, trying to get between this mess was suicidal, I told myself, "The heck with it." I jumped in, grabbed the attacker by the back of his shirt, spun him around and slammed him against the other side of the wall. Bang! The sound echoed throughout the hallway.
Silence.
One of the teachers screamed something stupid like "You boys stop this instantly!" My girlfriend helped the injured boy escape while all attention was centered on me and how I was going to respond to a bee hive of activity. Other teachers who saw the situation started placing calls to the front office to call the police. Circled by six very powerful bullies with evil intent in their eyes it was not going to be good. Then out of the blue, a football buddy of mine stepped in and stood beside me. He said, “Okay. Looks like we’ve got an even fight now. So who’s first?” The bullies sneered and walked away. Appears it was okay to whup on one small and defenseless person, but two was too much for them.
I stepped in, not because I was a super hero. Far from it. When I saw that boy get his ass kicked, it brought back painful memories. Like that boy, I was bullied. Several times, I gave in to taunts and sneers, got slapped around and face bloodied. I was afraid, felt helpless, didn't know what to do. I couldn't tell my dad. I would've lost face. For some reason, and don't ask me why, I decided enough was enough. I was in the boy's restroom when I was confronted. I guess the plan was to stick my head down the toilet after they peed in it. Days ago, I would've let them do it, but this time I told them no. No one was going to push me around any more. I fought back. Actually, which was the first time in my whole life then, I threw the first punch and bloodied the leader's nose. How I did it, where it came from since I never threw a punch before in my life, never was instructed on how to fight except watching boxers go at it on television, it just happened, and it felt good till the the burning, excruciating pain shot through my hand; think I broke a knuckle. That experience lasted for maybe a half a second because what happened next was pretty much a blur. My friends who just watched it all happen said I got body
slammed, kicked on the ribs and had a garbage can thrown on top of me. It wasn’t pretty and it took several days to
recover lost feeling in my broken hand and arms and breathe normal. For some reason, because I faced my
aggressors head on, I was left alone. I guess it
was no longer fun when they knew
I’d fight back; not a martial artist then I failed my first fight miserably and they could've continued the beatings, but this event was good enough.
This happened about 40 years ago, and I’m making an assumption that this type
of behavior occurs frequently, almost every day in some form or another, something we humans
do to each other for whatever reason, perhaps an pack wolf Alpha male thing. I
don’t agree with it, but I know it happens.
Why?
Ask the smart people in the world who think this can be resolved with understanding and education.
Why?
Ask the smart people in the world who think this can be resolved with understanding and education.
Almost all non-bullies have their own unique stories and this is
mine. Being bullied is a lonely and
helpless feeling. You may be fortunate to have your own little support
group; but, there are many of you who live through this alone: your path, your story, your burden.
Sucks big time, but it’s your life. Aside
from talking to authority figures (which I know is something you struggle with
every second of your life), there’s only one of two ways
to deal with this: Continue to be the victim or face your aggressors head
on. I am sorry, very sorry; but either way, you're going to have to pay a price.
Take control and live.
Refuse to be bullied.
Take control and live.
Refuse to be bullied.
