Babble

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Straight From the Bottle

Hit Him and He'll Hit You Back

I don't condone fighting by any means. I'm into peace and love and vegetarianism. I don't agree with guns. Or the death penalty or spanking. Or even yelling. I'm all for passing the pipe and loving thy brother. I have never been fond of haters. Of any kind. I wish we could all just get along and make out with each other. Or at the very least, play nice.

Spectator

 

When I was a little girl I was regularly pushed around. I grew up on a street full of boys who, annoyed with my cooties, threw rocks at my face, bitch-slapped me on the school bus and once gave me a concussion from pushing me off my bike. They called me "Becca woof-woof" when they weren't calling me other names like "Dog" and "Uglystupidface"


I tried to pretend like I didn't notice. I'd get back up, smile and hold back tears until I was alone. Or in the house where I would wail and scream and snort all over my mother's jeans.

 

I bought my own Vision skateboard and some Jimmy-Z shorts and tried to blend in with them. Maybe if I looked like less of a girl, they would teach me how to ollie off of their plywood ramp.



I had no idea how to stick up for myself. And you couldn't pay me to push someone back. Or talk back. Or anything.

 

I kind of assumed it was genetic and was afraid that Archer would be like me. Which is why when Archer got smacked in the face by the playground bully the other day, I did the cheerleading spirit-finger thingy when I saw him smack back.

 

It isn't that I advocate violence. Not at all. I just don't want him to take anyone's shit. Or get pushed off his bike without some kind of defensive strategy. Even if he is wearing a helmet for protection.

 

It's a crazy world, man. People don't play nice. I wish they did and we could all sit around in the sandbox and sing Koom-bi-ya, but we can't. People are angry. Crazy. Mean. And like to throw rocks in each other's faces.

 

And although two wrongs don't make a right, neither does one wrong and one weakling. I know because I was the child in the sandbox with sand in her eyes and bruises from the boys in the neighborhood, who sat there like an asshole, crying her eyes out.

 

And I REAAAAALY don't want that to be Archer. Because it sucked. 

 

*** 


Comments

 

Peter said:

One of the cool things about having twins is that they learn socialization, conflict, fighting, etc., etc. at home before going out to face the world.  So my lads were well aware shoving is a no-no before we hit the park scene.

I will never forget the look on Porter's face the first time some kid shoved him at the playground -- it wasn't sad or mad or even confused.  It was a perfect expression of, "Dude, WTF?"

January 27, 2007 5:24 AM
 

Wendy said:

From what I hear, boys are way different than girls.  They can fight and still be friends.  While I dont want my kids to be bullied or be the bully I am not opposed to a little baby fighting.  I think it is important in learning how to navigate the sandbox.  

Amber was a fearless little toddler.  She didnt care how big or old you were she would fight you to the death, if you started with her.  She was never the one to go up and just smack some kid.  Along the way I have taught her there are better ways to handle conflict.  

I love that picture.  To me it seems as if Archer is saying, "Dude, where you going?  I thought we were having fun."

January 27, 2007 9:57 AM
 

jenifer said:

i feel the EXACT same way about gus!

January 27, 2007 11:01 AM
 

BarbaraR said:

last week mamie's little friend pulled the pillow out from under head while they were pretend-sleeping.  she cried but frist she said "no, no," which meant "why the hell did you just do this to me?"  great response, i thought.  it's good when kids fight back/stand up for themselves.  but man, the sandbox is a tough place these days for sure.

January 27, 2007 1:58 PM
 

liprap said:

This is one of the reasons why I go back and forth about having another kid.  Having a sibling does teach you about conflict, right there in your own home.  What it does teach, however, is up to the refs at home: the parents.  And I don't know if I'm up for that kind of mediation.

There is also a fine line between defending yourself and bullying as a little kid, and I'm glad the people responding to this post can tell the difference and teach their kids accordingly.  

January 28, 2007 9:21 AM
 

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) said:

Darlin,

I think you're RIGHT ON!!!  It makes me so sad thinking of you with sandy old cute eyes crying away... you poor thing.  I had 2 brothers that picked fights on my behalf and who taught me toughness....

I teach my girls to take care of/defend themselves.  I'm not going to peace om heaven, but at least they (hopefully) won't be victims.

January 29, 2007 12:19 AM
 

mamalang said:

When I was in Kindergarten, I walked to my grandmothers after school.  My uncle owned the trailer park that she lived in, and generally, people left me the hell alone cause they were afraid of losing their place to live if they screwed with me.  One day, the neighborhood bully pushed me down into a mud puddle.  He scratched up my knees and ruined my brand new dress.  I went home to my grandma and cried to her.  She marched me down to the childs home, and demanded the mother see what her son had done.  When my grandfather got home (he worked in the trailer park, everyone knew him too) he taught me how to punch.  THe next day, the kid tried to push me down again, and I bloodied his nose.  His mom marched him down, and was all righteous indignation until I said "he pushed me again"  That boy got beat all the way home.  He was super nice to me after that.  I've never punched anther living soul since then.  But it's good to know I can defend myself if necessary.  Now my girls know how to defent themselves.  WHile violence is not the answer, being a continual victim isn't either.  I'm sorry you had to endure that as a child!

January 29, 2007 9:29 AM
 

JasonAvant said:

We're putting Lucas in karate class when he's old enough. Along with teaching him how to defend himself, we're hoping that it gives him the confidence to keep bullies at bay and the self-discipline to avoid using violence as a means of dealing with other kids. Plus if other kids do mess with him, he can drop some badass Bruce Lee ninja shaolin skillz on their asses.

January 29, 2007 11:57 AM
 

GirlsGoneChild said:

Awesome. Glad to see if I have some support, here. And Jason- good call with the karate classes. I'm going to do the same with little man. HIYAH!

January 29, 2007 3:44 PM
 

liprap said:

I'll have to get my guy into something other than karate - I was warned against it for him because he only has one working kidney.

January 29, 2007 6:18 PM
 

uncleruss said:

hi there :)  i'm glad that archer has the instinct to fight back.  that said, i highly recommend enrolling him in some martial arts classes.  of course i'm partial to taekwondo, but there are a lot of options.  i'd generally suggest something more traditional (as opposed to sport oriented), since that ought to include the teaching of the philosophical aspects of the martial arts.  physical challenges can definitely develop character, but i believe the philosophical teachings have a deeper, more enduring effect.  let me know if you have any questions.  big hugs and kisses to you all.

January 29, 2007 10:08 PM
 

OldParrothead said:

Excuse the late postings, but I just recently this area and am really enjoying it.

I have 3 boys, and we have a few simple rules:

1 - Never throw the 1st punch

2 - Always throw the last one

My guys have learned through lots of groundings and other non violent punishments that we will not tolerate their initiating of a fight. They have learned by us standing up to the principal, that if the school will not protect them, we will stand up for them and back them all the way.

As for the Karate thing. Check out many dojos in your area. Many of them are awesome, others are just teaching the kids about fighting in competition. If the dojo has lots of competition medals and trophies, think twice about it. Look for a place that has lots of oriental philosophy pasted on the walls, along with a "quiet" atmosphere. Let the children learn discipline and control before learning how to fight. Any idiot can learn how to throw a punch and kick. A person in control knows WHEN to use them.

Know Fear........Have Twins

OldParrothead

April 19, 2007 2:12 PM
 

Vasileios said:

Nice!

May 9, 2007 12:12 PM
 

Markos said:

interesting

May 12, 2007 10:45 AM
 

Yannis said:

Cool!

May 12, 2007 12:48 PM
 

Dion said:

interesting

May 12, 2007 5:26 PM
 

Iannis said:

Sorry :(

May 12, 2007 5:53 PM
 

Glafkos said:

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May 12, 2007 7:40 PM
 

Sebastianos said:

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May 13, 2007 12:12 AM
 

Sebastianos said:

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May 13, 2007 12:13 AM
 

Alekos said:

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May 13, 2007 1:24 AM
 

Dimitrios said:

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May 13, 2007 2:53 AM
 

Dighenis said:

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May 13, 2007 3:14 AM
 

Theophanis said:

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May 13, 2007 4:03 AM
 

Samaras said:

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May 13, 2007 5:36 AM
 

Andros said:

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May 13, 2007 6:25 AM
 

Leandros said:

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May 14, 2007 2:11 AM
 

Solon said:

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May 14, 2007 3:47 AM
 

Kris said:

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May 14, 2007 9:28 AM
 

Iannis said:

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May 14, 2007 12:28 PM
 

Charalampos said:

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May 14, 2007 12:45 PM
 

Panicos said:

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May 15, 2007 12:53 PM
 

Halu said:

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May 15, 2007 1:43 PM
 

Epameinondas said:

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May 15, 2007 11:34 PM
 

Dionysios said:

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May 16, 2007 4:08 AM
 

Petros said:

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May 16, 2007 5:28 AM
 

Petros said:

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May 16, 2007 5:30 AM
 

Tzannas said:

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May 17, 2007 5:52 AM
 

Spyros said:

Sorry :(

May 17, 2007 7:43 AM
 

Gregorios said:

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May 17, 2007 8:02 AM
 

Zeus said:

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May 17, 2007 9:45 AM
 

Silvanos said:

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May 17, 2007 1:15 PM
 

Eleni said:

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May 17, 2007 3:40 PM
 

Nikolaos said:

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May 17, 2007 5:06 PM
 

Athan said:

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May 17, 2007 6:20 PM
 

Nathanael said:

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May 17, 2007 9:06 PM
 

Theodoros said:

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May 17, 2007 11:05 PM
 

Konstandinos said:

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May 18, 2007 12:31 AM
 

Kypros said:

Sorry :(

May 18, 2007 3:28 AM
 

Stefanos said:

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May 20, 2007 9:58 AM
 

kalimurzino@rambler.ru said:

David

May 28, 2007 5:45 AM
 

Pantelis said:

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June 5, 2007 7:16 PM
 

Iacovos said:

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June 6, 2007 4:31 AM
 

Evenios said:

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June 6, 2007 5:20 AM
 

Kosmas said:

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June 8, 2007 12:31 AM
 

Harrys said:

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June 8, 2007 5:37 AM
 

Ahmed said:

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June 8, 2007 9:27 AM
 

Epameinondas said:

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June 8, 2007 11:07 AM
 

Aiakos said:

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June 8, 2007 6:23 PM
 

Euaggelos said:

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June 9, 2007 1:48 AM
 

Makarios said:

Sorry :(

June 9, 2007 3:53 PM
 

Angelos said:

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June 10, 2007 7:52 AM
 

Nicolas said:

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June 10, 2007 8:36 AM
 

Doxiadis said:

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June 11, 2007 12:59 AM
 

Miltos said:

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June 11, 2007 2:09 PM
 

Zeus said:

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June 12, 2007 2:32 AM
 

Andonios said:

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June 12, 2007 6:25 PM
 

Kristion said:

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June 12, 2007 7:19 PM
 

Panicos said:

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June 13, 2007 11:02 AM
 

Neophytos said:

Sorry :(

June 13, 2007 12:51 PM
 

Argyros said:

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June 13, 2007 5:08 PM
 

Spiridon said:

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June 13, 2007 9:47 PM
 

Cosmo said:

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June 14, 2007 3:45 AM
 

Damianos said:

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June 14, 2007 3:56 AM
 

Iannis said:

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June 14, 2007 12:18 PM
 

Lefteris said:

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June 14, 2007 7:21 PM
 

Theodosios said:

Cool...

June 14, 2007 9:05 PM
 

Nicolaon said:

Nice!

June 15, 2007 6:39 AM
 

Zeus said:

Sorry :(

June 15, 2007 10:18 AM
 

Kymon said:

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June 15, 2007 10:43 PM
 

Vardis said:

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June 16, 2007 10:27 AM
 

George said:

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June 16, 2007 12:45 PM
 

Anastasios said:

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June 16, 2007 6:02 PM
 

Evangelos said:

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June 16, 2007 8:47 PM
 

Aristides said:

Sorry :(

June 17, 2007 2:12 PM
 

Dion said:

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June 17, 2007 3:15 PM
 

Gustas said:

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June 18, 2007 7:18 AM
 

Fanos said:

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June 18, 2007 8:58 AM
 

Nikodemos said:

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June 19, 2007 12:55 AM
 

Anaklets said:

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June 19, 2007 2:29 PM
 

Emmanuel said:

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June 19, 2007 3:54 PM
 

Panagiotis said:

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June 20, 2007 8:47 AM
 

Glafkos said:

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June 20, 2007 7:28 PM
 

Nickolas said:

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June 20, 2007 11:32 PM
 

Manos said:

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June 21, 2007 5:08 AM
 

Savas said:

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June 22, 2007 9:41 PM
 

Marios said:

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June 23, 2007 1:20 AM
 

Michalis said:

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June 23, 2007 11:21 AM
 

Arion said:

Sorry :(

June 23, 2007 5:19 PM
 

Iannis said:

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June 25, 2007 6:44 AM
 

Spyridon said:

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June 25, 2007 10:40 AM
 

Euaggelos said:

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June 25, 2007 4:18 PM
 

Iakovos said:

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June 26, 2007 4:38 AM
 

Kimon said:

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June 26, 2007 7:28 AM
 

Epaminondas said:

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June 26, 2007 7:31 AM
 

Savvas said:

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June 26, 2007 5:27 PM
 

Demosthenes said:

Interesting...

June 27, 2007 2:37 AM
 

Alexis said:

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June 29, 2007 9:04 AM
 

Sophocles said:

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June 29, 2007 9:50 PM
 

Makis said:

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June 30, 2007 1:34 AM
 

Koinos said:

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June 30, 2007 4:30 AM
 

Stelios said:

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June 30, 2007 8:09 AM
 

Nikodemos said:

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June 30, 2007 8:48 AM
 

Nicolaon said:

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June 30, 2007 2:24 PM
 

Theodosios said:

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June 30, 2007 5:32 PM
 

Theofanis said:

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June 30, 2007 8:19 PM
 

Agias said:

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July 1, 2007 1:20 AM
 

Bikos said:

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July 1, 2007 1:32 AM
 

Augustinos said:

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July 1, 2007 10:11 AM
 

Iakovos said:

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July 1, 2007 11:51 AM
 

Theofanis said:

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July 1, 2007 12:49 PM
 

Stathis said:

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July 1, 2007 5:50 PM
 

Augustinos said:

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July 1, 2007 8:21 PM
 

Titos said:

Sorry :(

July 3, 2007 1:21 PM
 

Vaggelis said:

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July 3, 2007 7:02 PM
 

Samaras said:

Sorry :(

July 3, 2007 9:51 PM
 

Gondikas said:

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July 3, 2007 10:58 PM
 

Kypros said:

Sorry :(

July 4, 2007 12:26 AM
 

Achilleas said:

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July 4, 2007 6:43 AM
 

Chrysostomos said:

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July 5, 2007 3:34 AM
 

Laurentios said:

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July 5, 2007 3:57 PM
 

matcatzruloz said:

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July 6, 2007 10:04 AM
 

Anaklets said:

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July 9, 2007 4:37 AM
 

Haralambos said:

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July 9, 2007 1:57 PM