Originally posted by KewpieThere are weirdos in the U.S., just as there are weirdos in Australia.
From the land of the free and the home of the brave ...
I know folks, you're not all like that, but you keep showing us how many of those weirdos you have in your 300 million. Maybe you could restrain your news media!
Keeping it a secret is not the answer.
Originally posted by ChessPraxisIf so, why is there a prevailing notion that bullies pick on defenseless people smaller and weaker than themselves?
Possibly, some forms early sociopathic behavior often includes torturing animals. The thrill gets less and less so they have to move on to bigger things.
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Originally posted by Grampy BobbyBecause it's true. It has everything to do with their psychological make up. Bullies feel empowered when they lord it over people they perceive weaker than themselves. They could feel even more empowered by taking on someone of equal or greater strength and prevailing, but even the remotest possibility of losing control dampens the thrill for them. I'll never forget the time I saw a big guy back down from a little guy who wasn't intimidated or frightened and who stood his ground. The big guy could have easily overpowered the little guy, but apparently he wasn't going to take a chance on getting his butt kicked. The big guy pointed down to the sidewalk and proclaimed he had a right to be there, because he was standing on public ground... I have no idea what he meant or why he said that, except maybe it was because the little guy had rattled him so badly he just said the first thing that popped into his mind.
If so, why is there a prevailing notion that bullies pick on defenseless people smaller and weaker than themselves?
Originally posted by lemon lime"The big guy pointed down to the sidewalk and proclaimed he had a right to be there... "
Because it's true. It has everything to do with their psychological make up. Bullies feel empowered when they lord it over people they perceive weaker than themselves. They could feel even more empowered by taking on someone of equal or greater strength and prevailing, but even the remotest possibility of losing control dampens the thrill for them. I'll n ...[text shortened]... little guy had rattled him so badly he just said the first thing that popped into his mind.
Apparently clinging to his last vestige of social assertiveness in order to salvage some 'win' from the encounter.
An interesting anecdote and thoughtful analysis; you should consider visiting this forum frequently.
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Originally posted by Grampy BobbyYeah, it was surreal to see the bully switch over to defensive mode, as though the little guy was the bully and the big guy was trying to reason with him. By the way thanks for the encouragement... the way it's been going at a couple other forums I may end up coming here more often.
"The big guy pointed down to the sidewalk and proclaimed he had a right to be there... "
Apparently clinging to his last vestige of social assertiveness in order to salvage some 'win' from the encounter.
An interesting anecdote and thoughtful analysis; you should consider visiting this forum frequently.
That incident gave me a lot to think about. The little guy wasn't just employing a tactic, he really was fearless and willing to take on the big guy. If it was fake posturing the big guy would see right through it and be encouraged to pound on the little guy. I was fascinated by this sight and also a little embarrassed, because I had just backed down from the gorilla (he was huge) and the little guy was his next target. The little guy could not have prevailed in a physical battle, but I think it was apparent to the gorilla he would need to take a hit or two before pounding little big man into the ground. I think that's all it took to stop him... the big guy didn't want to take a chance on getting smacked by little big man.