[Jaydelart]

People like to exploit weaknesses in things like social status or education, but I think indirect language is probably one of the most provocative targets of them all.

The saying "holding yourself up with pride" is relevant, in my opinion, because people can involuntarily perceive and translate the subtle behaviors of others, to varying degrees. The way you hold yourself gives off small indications of what kind of person you are, and if a potential bully can sense a lack of confidence or physical ability, they'll most likely go for it.

Conscious behavior and applied language adds a whole other dimension to the issue.


Tsuwa, I have no experience with adult bullying yet... So I won't even touch that subject.

I agree, there will always be someone to pick on you. The way I see it, most of those instances are mild tests, to see how you would react. Most people who try picking on you won't be willing to commit to persistent harassment, regardless of their initial intention to... while, those that are, are our world's bullies. Kind of like sharks in a feeding frenzy, nipping at the body until one shark finally commits to the bite; the ones nipping were still taking chunks but not to the extent of the one biting.

I didn't mean to imply that you can avoid getting picked on entirely. What I was trying to say was that the nipping or teasing of that particular interest--Japan, in this case--is just another target that people can exploit among many others. There are probably several other things they can make fun of; they just choose your interest of Japan, and capitalize on it.

Put simply: Liking Japan isn't the issue, exactly. I think the world, particularly America, is much more liberal than that. If you're getting picked on for liking Japan, it's because you're allowing them to pick on you period.

I hope that makes sense.
I'm a little dazed this morning, so I may not be conveying my thoughts clearly...