Inspirations - BULLYING IS FOR COWARDS

by Life Positive

First he used the power for good, like stopping older boys from bullying smaller ones. But gradually the power went to his head and he began to use it for his own ends. He forced the classroom genius to lend him his notes. He even formed a gang around him by promising them protection from the boys in the higher classes. Those left out wasted no efforts to get into his good books. Vishal had any number of fans wanting to carry his text books or laugh at his jokes or poke fun at someone punier than them.

His father watched the change in the boy with concern. Vishal had always been a good student and a caring human being. Now his physical strength had gone to his head. Matters came to a head when the father of one of his classmates, Santosh, came home. Vishal had beaten up the boy for refusing to give him right of way. Santosh had to be taken to the doctor and given a couple of stitches in the mouth.

Vishal’s dad, Mr Shetty, called him in. Vishal had seen Santosh’s father come in and he was secretly afraid of what his father would do. “Hey, Dad,” he called out with false bravado, ‘sup?

His father had an immeasurably grave expression on his face. Vishal’s knees began to quake.

“I have failed you as a father,” said his father with gravity. “Since you love to beat people up, I want you to beat me.” He held out a leather belt.

Vishal sprang back, shaking. Relentlessly, his father took his hand and forced the belt into his hand and offered his face. “Hit me,” he said. Vishal gave a timid lick of the leather. “Harder,” said his father, “harder, harder, harder.” Shaking violently, Vishal complied. Then after a few attempts that left his father’s face with a gash, he threw the belt away and burst out into loud crying. “I am sorry,” he wailed. "I am sorry.”

His father said no more but from then on, Vishal was a changed boy. He no longer bullied anyone or made fun of them. His eyes often went to the scar on his father’s face with pain. Although he was by no means a saint, we can testify that his father never compelled him to hit him again.