Got to thinking a bit more about this issue of bullies, and how to best deal with them.
What I've said in earlier posts is absolutely valid, as a person has every right
to protect themselves from physical harm. Now, some folks can defend themselves,
and others can't due to size, physical strength, or lack of any self-defense training.
Having someone else kick the bullies arse for you is not an option, as the next time that
same bully catches you alone you're gonna get thumped.
So, when we do successfully defend ourselves there needs to be some effort
made in the next few days to [safely] communicate with the bully. Why? To let them
know that you were only defending yourself, from them. Once the bully knows that
you no longer fear them, there may be opportunities where they'll talk about "why" they
feel the need to bully others. You're likely to get a lot of different answers before the truth
finally comes out (and that's OK, be patient, but persistent over time). Could be because at
home they are constantly bullied , either by older siblings or, in some cases, by the parents
themselves.
Met several former-bullies that all had about the same story; they didn't know how to
fit in any other way, and generally have -0- self-esteem. Helping them get involved in a school
activity is a great way for them to learn that it's OK to be themselves, and that "bully"
attitude will soon begin to fade.
Guess what I'm sayin' is that ya gotta show 'em that there's a much better, more
pleasant way to live than being nasty all the time. We can make differences in other
peoples lives, but to do so we have to be willing to extend a hand, and step up to the task.
And yes, that's what counselors are for. If more people today weren't so into their own
little worlds, and instead stepped out to help one another then there wouldn't be such
a need for so many counselors, and probably a lot more empty cells in the prisons.
