Sad story

An article at the NYT about a kid who gets bullied repeatedly here. I was a subject of bullying in the 6th through 9th grade. The memories are painful. I really feel for this kid. It's a very isolating feeling, and a vicious circle. If you "tell," then you are a tattle-tale, and fair game for worse treatment. Also, it's surprising how often (most of the time) you get no help from school authorities. What I came away with was the feeling that they were afraid of the bullies too.

For me, learning to play guitar helped get me out of that lowest social class: awkward misfits who could always be taunted as "faggots." Being in that box and looking out at things like the pretty girls feels like being on the moon. It's easy to hate everyone, because it seems like everyone is complicit in what's happening to you. Now that I'm older I know they were just unaware.

Anyway...not so good times.