In a previous article, I talked about some of the anti-bullying messages from the classic movie trilogy,Back to the Future. Here's the other half of the lesson:
* SOMETIMES, YOU NEED MORE THAN WORDS TO MAKE YOUR POINT. George McFly finally makes his stand when he discovers his sweetheart being assaulted by Biff in a parked car at the school dance. Who can forget George dramatically closing his fingers into a solid fist, and delivering one of the most celebrated knock outs in cinematic history? In one moment, George gets the girl, ends Biff's reign of terror, and earns the admiration and respect of his peers and his son.
LESSON- sometimes, using force is the only viable option. Sometimes, it's the only ethical course of action!
* DON'T EVER TINKER WITH THE SPACE/TIME CONTINUUM. It's dangerous. 'Nuff said.
* ASSERTIVENESS IS KING. Following the parking lot incident, George is dancing with Lorraine when one of his classmates (who apparently didn't get the memo that George was now a man to be reckoned with) rudely cuts in. Will George revert back to his old meek, weak and self-doubting ways? Not a chance. The interloper is quickly and firmly 'cut out', the dance continues, and the new romance glows a little hotter.
LESSON- the path between passivity and aggression is the best course. Assertiveness is a pattern of behavior - an energy- that announces the courtesy and respect you show for others is expected in return, and its well deserved.
* TIME TRAVEL IS VERY REAL - AND THAT'S GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE.No, you can't hop into a tricked out sports car and fly into the past, or set the controls so you can skip decades into the future. But all of us are traveling forward through time, every day and every moment. Doc Brown's happy philosophical musing at the end of the last installment is both optimistic and uplifting: The future is not pre-ordained.
LESSON- We have the power to create our own destiny.
* Bonus Tip
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty. ~Lao Tsu
If your child is being bullied , roughed-up, intimidated or ostracized, you can help them turn their situation around quickly and permanently. The first step in developing a bully-proof child is teaching them self-control.
