I was bullied.
Were you bullied? It seems like everyone has experienced some form of bullying or they know someone who has. I was bullied. My students found it hard to believe. They mostly saw me as either a powerful, stern, loving father figure or a cruel task master (hey, some kids don’t like to be told to get to work). But seeing tough old Mr. D. as the object of bullying? You’ve got to be kidding!
Yes, I was bullied throughout my childhood. Bullies have always given me the impression of being insecure cowards who feel they have a right to make themselves feel superior by putting someone else down. They give themselves reasons for their actions which are really only lame unjustifiable excuses for cruel behavior. Somehow, I appeared to have the personality and habits which gave every bully in my neighborhood and school a lame excuse to go after me. That is why, as an adult responsible for the safety and welfare of my students, I was merciless with bullies in my classroom. So, how was I bullied while growing up; and what did I do to survive, you ask?
