What I Have Learned About Bullies

Things I learned about bullies that are not often talked about.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Twentyfour Students

In Grade 8, the bullies at my school were at their worst. When I was falsely accused of being a tattletale, class could be a nightmare. My classmates grabbed my books and tossed them around. I had to watch the aisles for outstretched feet intent on tripping me. People would pull my hair, kick my chair, and call me all kinds of names. I was ridiculed and humiliated for being ugly, stinky, and stupid from Grade 5 to 8, and then again in Grade 10. I have also encountered bullies in the workplace.

Unfortunately, I was an easy target. Parental physical and emotional abuse at home had turned me into a timid, shy, and awkward person. I was too afraid to stand up to my harassers. Bullies sensed my vulnerability and took advantage of it. Here are some things I learned about them that may surprise people.

Some Observations on My Experiences with Bullies

They are not all mean, sadistic, and evil

In Grade 10, there was one boy, Ken (no real names used), who led four or five boys in making fun of me. Whenever a teacher called on me to answer a question, they sneered at my stupidity. The ultimate humiliation…