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Hide Or Bluff

An Option For Handling Bullies

22 total reviews 
Comment from Nosha17
Excellent
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Great piece, it gives hope to have the crazed notion that bullies are winners, when they are losers. My son was small and slight and was bullied all the time in his school in Long Island. He started to lift weights as a self defence mechanism and it did help. Why is not more done to protect the weaker ones? You made good use of language and intelligent thought to convey your message. Faye

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
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Yeah, even immersed in an intense battle, and with his buddies asses on the line, a man in a foxhole's first instincts are to survive. However, sense of honor, duty and integrity usually kick in, just about the time the screaming begins, and they ride to the occasion, albeit, reluctantly.

This well written short story reminded me of an old Andy Griffith series episode, where Andy's son, Opie Taylor (played by Ronnie Howard) has his milk money taken on a daily basis by a bully who is much bigger than he is. Andy does what any father would do when he finds out about it, he talks to his young son, telling him of a bully he'd encountered himself when he was about Opie's age, and how he subsequently handled that bullies taunting. If you've seen that episode, then you already know what transpired.

Some bullies can be intimidated when called out, as your protagonist did his. On the other hand, there are those who truly have a black heart; kids who suffer only abuse and ridicule at home on a consistent basis. No matter how much of a "bad-ass" they are, standing up to them is essential for one's peace of mind and self confidence.

Remember a movie called Three O'clock High? Jerry Mitchell, played to the hilt by actor Casey Siemaszko, had the right idea. if you hate bullies (and based upon your story, I'd say that's a given), and you've yet to see it, you should. Jerry had the right idea at the end, and it is a telling tale on bullying that really hits home.

Well done, Mikey.



"But, don't most of us feel that way, you know, inside where the truth of who we are lives?"--------->Add question mark, Mikey.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from nelliesellie
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I lover the picture. I love the story. Bullies live off the emotions of their victims. They usually operate where they can have more than one victim. They feed off the free of the onlookers. Bullies grow up to be wife beaters. I met one of them. I tried fighting back. That excited him more They I was just drained of emotion. I faced him the attitude I did not care. I didn't. Mot of the time he could not get in the first hit. Once he tried to choke me. My lack of emotions made him quick very soon. You did the right things from the very start. You took the label 'Victim' off your forehead, Great work.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from Sasha
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You make an excellent (actually several) point in this one. I, too, was the brunt of bullies but mine resorted to verbal insults and never physical...I guess that's one of the benefits of being a girl (although I have heard of girls beating up other girls). You did a great job with this one. I enjoyed it immensely.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from Phyllis Stewart
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Bravo! Yes, they'd have to be cowards if they attack in packs, ganging up on a lone victim. Reminds me too much of the knockout game so popular these days in cities, where up to thirty kids roam the streets looking for a helpless old man or young woman to beat up 'for fun'... there just aren't enough bullets to clean up this sick world.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from MIKECON
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Well written and enjoyable piece.The storyline was typical as you say good in packs, but nothing when alone.Yes I agree most bullies are cowards

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from CR Delport
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Most bullies don't like to be challenged. As long as the odds are in their favour, they are brave. This is really well written and makes for a good read.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
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Love it! It happens to so many children, bullying is a terrible thing. I have been there and know the feeling. I never did have the courage to stand up to mine. If this is a true story, very well done!! :) Sandra

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from ravenblack
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Bullies are cowards- and not big in the brains department. Growing up, my mouth got me in just as much trouble as it got me out of it. I'll never forget this one party. Me drunk, loud and obnoxious. Bumped into a guy about three times my size and of course, he instantly wanted to kick my ass. Scared? No. I turned to the crowd, shouted "look at me, look at you. Of course you can kick my ass. What the hell is that going to prove". Everyone laughed and defused of any power to threaten or intimidate me, he slunk away. Call a bully on their shit, make them look like the morons they are and walk away.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014

Comment from Spiritual Echo
Excellent
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This is a very good portrait of a kid who stands up to bullies, especially the self talk--the thoughts that ran through his head.

My only question in this write is the grade level. This sounds more like an elementary or middle school thing rather than high school. I can see teens chasing kids down with cars, but as a parent I can attest that once my kid hit 14 he wouldn't run if you stuffed firecrackers down his jeans. A slow shuffle was 4th gear for him until he got wheels and then the speed came--along with the tickets.

In first or second paragraph comedian should be plural--comedians--or change to THE comedian.

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 Comment Written 01-Jun-2014