Though an old strip, this series of C&H addresses the current hot button issue of bullying. Much of this issue concerns the isolated feeling a child/victim has. IT is a travesty that authority figures: i.e. teachers & parents are often unaware. Teachers & school workers especially who can’t identify a bully are simply not doing their job, either from their own fear. Or worse - apathy.
I was in Calvin’s place for much of my early school years, but I was taught not to turn over my stuff, but to just walk away from the fight and take my stuff with me. For the most part that tactic worked. If you don’t stand around to be a punching bag then they have to chase after you to get their hit in. Usually they give it up as being too much work.
However, my parents were split on the actual issue of getting into a fight that came to me, once all the “legal” requirements had been met.
Dad grew up in Depression Era Chicago and constantly declared that there was no valid reason for fighting. If he found out that I was in a fight my butt was in a sling.
Mom, however took a different view as long as a) I did not take the first swing; b) it was not my younger sister or another female that was my opponent (“boys do not hit girls”); c) I did not get involved in a fight at school or on the way to or from school. That would involve the school in the issue because in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s the school was responsible for all students from the time they left their home and until they returned at the end of the day.
In fact in one case, where 6 other kids followed me all the way home from school attempting to start a fight, Mom refed the resulting fight solely to the extent that the others could not “tag team” me to keep the fight going with a fresh person as another got tired. I got home, told the main individual to stay put, if he really wanted a fight; went inside long enough to let Mom know that I was home from school and that I was going to be outside in a fight on the front lawn. Answered her couple questions about the situation and went back outside to take care of things. She stood in the front door and watched. She only said anything when they tried to change people when the loser was getting too tired to keep conflict going.
Neither she nor I said anything about it to my father and Mom made it plain to my sister who came home during the fight that she had better keep her mouth shut about it with Dad as well, or she would be answering to Mom.
Bullying is a much more important issue in the world than we give it credit for, literally the difference in evolution between primitive and civilized. The US has often been a bully to smaller countries, simply because of the fact, “who’s going to stop them”. A lot of seniors become very worried about their security because they lose their physical strength and feel very vulnerable. In sports like hockey the fighting is part of the entertainment. I’ve read that bullying in theschools has been getting worse lately. It’s not a good sign.
Most of us who were bullied grew up and became productive members of society. But the pain of it never leaves, it is always there just sometimes it hides in its cubby.
“get over it”? no. Submachine must have been one of the bullies who grew up to be ashamed of their actions (good!) but who is still trying to justify them (bad)
Yeah, I had the same thing when I was in third grade. Jackie Weber used to torment the hell out of me. One day he jumped on my back during recess and as luck would have it I beat the snot out of him.Somehow, everything went my way. I was, however, hauled in front of the principle by his irate mother and severly chastised. From that day on, Jackie never bothered me again. Nor did anyone else for that matter!
i agree that bullying is part of life. it really never stops, just takes on different forms – TV commercials, viral emails, spammers and con artists, politicians and their attack ads, Karl Rove, salesman and sales calls, religious fanatics. we’re bombarded with various forms of bullying all the time. i think calvin is learning a valuable, and depressing, life lesson.
margueritem over 13 years ago
Calvin is being realistic…
deepfrieddrippingrag over 13 years ago
There must be a word for this. ‘Optimism?’ ‘Vain boldness?’ ‘The lighter side?’
SWEETBILL over 13 years ago
I’ll have a side of taters and toast with that omelet!!
COWBOY7 over 13 years ago
Keep thinking positive and it’ll all work itself out, Calvin.
GM, Marg, Grog & Mike!
rayannina over 13 years ago
Doesn’t this school have a principal you can tell stuff like this to? C’mon, Calvin, go to the authorities!
Dutchboy1 over 13 years ago
He tried reasoning with him earlier, and it didn’t work. The guy is just thick.
rentier over 13 years ago
Argueing perhaps will help! O yeah!
Yukoner over 13 years ago
Sic Susie on him. That ought to do it.
zero over 13 years ago
Though an old strip, this series of C&H addresses the current hot button issue of bullying. Much of this issue concerns the isolated feeling a child/victim has. IT is a travesty that authority figures: i.e. teachers & parents are often unaware. Teachers & school workers especially who can’t identify a bully are simply not doing their job, either from their own fear. Or worse - apathy.
BTW I agree - sic Susie on him.
Dino-1 over 13 years ago
I agree Susie will put him in his place!
KenTheCoffinDweller over 13 years ago
I was in Calvin’s place for much of my early school years, but I was taught not to turn over my stuff, but to just walk away from the fight and take my stuff with me. For the most part that tactic worked. If you don’t stand around to be a punching bag then they have to chase after you to get their hit in. Usually they give it up as being too much work.
However, my parents were split on the actual issue of getting into a fight that came to me, once all the “legal” requirements had been met.
Dad grew up in Depression Era Chicago and constantly declared that there was no valid reason for fighting. If he found out that I was in a fight my butt was in a sling.
Mom, however took a different view as long as a) I did not take the first swing; b) it was not my younger sister or another female that was my opponent (“boys do not hit girls”); c) I did not get involved in a fight at school or on the way to or from school. That would involve the school in the issue because in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s the school was responsible for all students from the time they left their home and until they returned at the end of the day.
In fact in one case, where 6 other kids followed me all the way home from school attempting to start a fight, Mom refed the resulting fight solely to the extent that the others could not “tag team” me to keep the fight going with a fresh person as another got tired. I got home, told the main individual to stay put, if he really wanted a fight; went inside long enough to let Mom know that I was home from school and that I was going to be outside in a fight on the front lawn. Answered her couple questions about the situation and went back outside to take care of things. She stood in the front door and watched. She only said anything when they tried to change people when the loser was getting too tired to keep conflict going.
Neither she nor I said anything about it to my father and Mom made it plain to my sister who came home during the fight that she had better keep her mouth shut about it with Dad as well, or she would be answering to Mom.
GROG Premium Member over 13 years ago
“Omelet face” is a name that you don’t want to have stick to you.
Good Morning, Morg, Mike & ♠LoneWerewolf♠
chovil over 13 years ago
Bullying is a much more important issue in the world than we give it credit for, literally the difference in evolution between primitive and civilized. The US has often been a bully to smaller countries, simply because of the fact, “who’s going to stop them”. A lot of seniors become very worried about their security because they lose their physical strength and feel very vulnerable. In sports like hockey the fighting is part of the entertainment. I’ve read that bullying in theschools has been getting worse lately. It’s not a good sign.
runninanreadin over 13 years ago
Yeah……like that’s ever gonna happen…lol
wicky over 13 years ago
Many were bullied, grew up and got over it.
Allison Nunn Premium Member over 13 years ago
Most of us who were bullied grew up and became productive members of society. But the pain of it never leaves, it is always there just sometimes it hides in its cubby. “get over it”? no. Submachine must have been one of the bullies who grew up to be ashamed of their actions (good!) but who is still trying to justify them (bad)
Prey over 13 years ago
There is a word for it…..its called LIFE.
twj0729 over 13 years ago
Yeah, I had the same thing when I was in third grade. Jackie Weber used to torment the hell out of me. One day he jumped on my back during recess and as luck would have it I beat the snot out of him.Somehow, everything went my way. I was, however, hauled in front of the principle by his irate mother and severly chastised. From that day on, Jackie never bothered me again. Nor did anyone else for that matter!
rotts over 13 years ago
Doppelspammerflaggen!
rentier over 13 years ago
Omlet face! I cooked omlets just now, they tasted fine! IoI.
lebron over 13 years ago
Bullying. Funny how that is such a big issue in the US, but few politicians are willing to stop the IRS from bullying taxpayers every April.
billdi Premium Member over 13 years ago
i agree that bullying is part of life. it really never stops, just takes on different forms – TV commercials, viral emails, spammers and con artists, politicians and their attack ads, Karl Rove, salesman and sales calls, religious fanatics. we’re bombarded with various forms of bullying all the time. i think calvin is learning a valuable, and depressing, life lesson.
lb122134 over 13 years ago
Where is Hobbes when he needs him? Hobbes could cause a diversion, and Calvin could rush in…
ratlum over 13 years ago
I wish Calvin would put as much thought into the tricks he pulls off on Mom, Dad or Susie.
khpage over 13 years ago
LOVE omlets, especially Denver omlets or Chinese omlets. Love Calvin - a big hug to you, kid. I can relate.
Brother_James437 over 13 years ago
Maybe if he sees me talking to myself he’ll get scared, drop the truckk & run away.