What Makes a Bully?

Over the generations, there have been different types of bullies. Society always pictured the schoolyard bully to be a 'kid from the wrong side of the tracks'. However, after growing up as a victim and now in my adult years as a parent, I see bullies from all walks of life.

As a child, there were three main bullies on the schoolyard.

*Sue came from a very prominent, well-known, athletic family. She was tough, aggressive and sports-minded. She had a signature to show a victim when she had her eye on them. She would have her arms down at her sides, make a fist with her right hand and flex it at the intended victim.

*Joey was known for his swift mannerisms, speech and movement. His family was average, blue collar and not well known. He would strike verbally with his heavy sarcasm and remarks, making the victim feel powerless, humiliated and speechless.

*Sheila came from a very poor family, was very quiet but had a hot streak of a temper. Her personality could be that of a rattlesnake. She was very quiet, shy-like but would strike out without hesitation or warning physically.

In today's generation, the bullies can strike in a multitude of ways on an escalated scale from yesteryear. Again, family's social and financial status may or may not play as a factor in their reasons for bullying their victims.

Some are from well-to-do families where they have all the resources to play any sport they wish, are up on all the nintendo systems, brand name clothes and shoes, money in their pockets for whatever activity their hearts' desire. The reasons for bullying? They pick on the less privileged and younger ones because they know their victim feels powerless to stop them. They feel they are above them and have the need to 'show them up'.

Some are from not so privileged families. There's resentment and jealousy of those around them. Feeling the need to prove themselves worthy and equal. They crave one thing that comes more easily for some than others; acceptance for who they are as an individual, regardless of their brand of clothes, family name/reputation and status.