This article made me very angry when I first read it, though I'm much calmer now. I still refuse to "Love and Tolerate" these bullies or their actions. That was a phrase used to describe how Bronies should react to trolls. However, these people are not trolls, nor would I term them "haters." They may also be these things, but I prefer "abusers" and "bullies" to the aforementioned terms, for what they have done surpasses "trolling" and "hating." Still, violence or violent words are not, as I see it, the appropriate response. When we lower ourselves to their level, we become like them. I don't think the person I am now would respect the person I would be if I reacted to these people in that way. Spoiler: Something to think about... Some other users have mentioned earlier in this thread what they might do in SweetieBelle's situation. Some have mentioned self-defense. Rather than quote all of those posts, I'd like to respond to them here. Granted, if you were in a true kill-or-be-killed situation, few amoung us would question your survival instinct. But this is not the sort of situation SweetieBelle was in, so let's keep those comments to ourselves. Don't misunderstand me; fighting back would not be wrong, if your safety was truly in jeopardy. But DO NOT bring a knife to a fistfight. Then you risk seriously injuring (or possibly KILLING) someone. SweetieBelle was beaten up, and he should press charges if he feels that is the right thing to do, but imagine what would have happened if he had tried to protect himself in such a way (with a knife or other weapon). He could become a murderer. Make no mistake, use of excessive force, even in the face of danger, could constitue a murder. How might he feel with that on his conscience? What about his fists? If he had beaten these guys up in retaliation (not a likely scenario, but place yourself in his shoes and some of you may find yourselves imagining it), then all of a sudden, the story changes. The original "bad guys" get a sob story of how some kid beat the snot out of them. This complicates things. SweetieBelle was the victim of some terrible bullies, but if he presses charges and is non-violent through-and-through, I believe he will have done the right thing. It is not my intention to offend any users who have voiced their own opinions on self-defense or how they might have reacted. My point was simply that examples involving retaliation are not relevant to SweetieBelle's terrible ordeal. I'm very, very sorry if I offended anyone. Loving and Tolerating is fine. Acting violently is not. In SweetieBelle's case, it's simple. I guess we differ there. I DO mind words, because I feel they can be terribly hurtful: if not to me, than to someone else. I do most certainly agree that these acts of violence were disgusting, though. Please give him both our condolensces and our encouragement.
In my defense, while I do know practical Tai Chi(Because yes, some instructors do not show the martial side of it), and some boxing(It does merit mention as a unique approach, although maybe not a style), Tae Kwon Do and bits and pieces of other stuff, I've done more weapon fighting in my life in both sparring and actual fights, and given my physique the extra edge is appreciated-I'm tall but thin, with not a lot of true muscle mass. Still, the point is duly noted and perfectly fair-escalation of violence does not help the situation anymore than wishing harm and hell on these guys. Thanks for reminding me and helping me get my head on straight.
While we're on the point, I'd also like to mention that I think things like public choreogrpahed Martial Arts or Fencing displays and other such stunts can be pretty cool, so I do understand a bit of where you're coming from. I've practiced things like archery and knife-throwing in the past, but just for fun.
While on the subject: I've done a range of martial arts for >5yrs including Tae Kwon Do, Balintawak and Judo. Never had to use it.
on the subject of self defence sap gloves and a extendable/retracable baton can do wonders for self defence and inflecting major pain
It's funny, because I brought that up explain that I have skills, but not much of the muscle mass to make the difference, which is part of the reason why I would whip out a knife in a fist fight. Still, fun sub topic.
If something like this were to happen or anything similar to this. I'd do what I do best. Elbow people in the face. ...that and a bit of Muai Thai. :derpe:
