That bully from high school is probably a millionaire now. Are you thinking Biff, from Back To The Future?
My School Bully Called Me Fat And Slow
We probably all dealt with one or two bullies in school when we were growing up. God knows I did, because I was a chunky little girl. And kids loved to make fun of the heavy kids – especially the girls.
I’ll never forget in 5th grade, when Darlene said she didn’t want to do the three-legged race with me on field day, because she said I was “fat and slow.” She always called me fat, and pointed it out – especially when it came to doing something physical. And she would push me around, and make fun of me.
As I think about it, I don’t know that much has changed in our society since I was that pudgy little girl. But, I suppose that commentary can be saved for another time. And honestly, being picked on led me to a career in comedy. Because joking about myself first, or someone heckling me (the bullies) was a diversion. And I got laughs!
Kids Who Were Bullies Are Probably Making More Money Than You
Have you gone to Facebook to look up an old bully from school, to see if they are miserable now? Well, they’re probably not. The Guardian reported on a study – spanning 50 years – that found that those who were bullies in school, tend to earn more money later in life. And more money than those that they bullied. I don’t wish anything bad on Darleen, but – DAMN!
A team in England tracked 7,000 people born in 1970. They looked at how their teachers evaluated their social, and emotional skills, when they were 10 years old. Then they checked back in when those kids were in their mid-40s.
In general, the kids who were bullied were making less than the kids who bullied them. So, it challenges the “karma” idea, that bullies eventually get what they deserve. Researchers think it’s because teachers – at least in the ’80s and ’90s – may have created an environment that catered to kids who were more aggressive. *insert palm on forehead emoji here*
Perhaps classrooms are thought to be competitive like the workplace. And the more aggressive, the better. They might take that through to the workplace, where they compete aggressively for the best-paid jobs. Teachers stepping in and stopping the bullies did at least make a little difference though. The bullied kids’ earnings went up about 5% when that was the case.
There have always been bullies, and there always will be bullies. Hopefully we’ve learned how to work around the Darlene’s of the world – who I believe is now a minister.
Here are some very famous TV and movie bullies you might remember.
Nelly Oleson - Little House On The Prairie
I couldn’t stand Nelly Oleson, from Little House on the Prairie. She was a snob, and a spoiled little B — rat! Always picking on Laura Ingalls and her family. But viewers loved to hate her. I met Alison Arngrim several years ago. She was hilariously funny, and just as nice as could be. Read her book if you get a chance: t’s great!
Lucy Van Pelt - Peanuts
Perhaps not the meanest of bullies, but for the love of God – let Charlie Brown kick the friggin’ football! She was sassy, bossy, and also practiced Psychiatry. Only 5 cents a visit. A BARGAIN! She’d give advice – then go back to bullying Charles.
Eric Cartman - Southpark
Eric Cartman from South Park. A politically incorrect, foul-mouthed troublemaker who relentlessly picks on his friends. However, Cartman is probably one of the most iconic characters in animated TV because of his outrageous behavior.
Regina George - Mean Girls
Regina George from Mean Girls was the epitome of a high school B — ully! She was rude, manipulative, and controlling of her friends, because they wanted to be popular. She was both feared and admired. Get in losers…
Steff McKee - Pretty In Pink
Steff McKee was probably one of the most classic high school bullies. He was rejected by Andie Molly Ringwald), got all bitter, and downright awful, and vengeful. James Spader played these awful characters really well -as a good actor does. He played Rip in Less Than Zero, and was even more hideous! The quintessential bully. UGH!!
Nelson Muntz - The Simpsons
His dad supposedly turned into an Elephant Man after eating bad chocolate, and his mother is an alcoholic prostitute. So, I guess there was reason to be a big bully. Nelson has gone through a lot of changes over the years, but has also dropped a lot of his wrath on Bart Simpson. Another character viewers love to hate.
John Bender - Breakfast Club
Bender, played brilliantly by Judd Nelson, was the guy in high school who was always in the principal’s’ office. He’s an angry kid who looks he spends most of his time in detention. Over time – and a little weed – we find out where his anger comes from, and he finds a caring family for short while, in detention. He also finds a little love, for a few moments, with Molly Ringwald’s Claire. We all ended up loving John Bender at the end of The Breakfast Club.
Biff Tannen - Back To The Future
Biff Tannen from Back to the Future is the bully of all bullies. He literally torments everyone he comes in contact with. But most of all, George and Marty McFly. He’s mean, arrogant, and just plain awful. That’s why we are so grateful to see him waxing George’s car at the end of the original BTTF. His stupid signature catchphrase “Make like a tree and get outta here” has become very popular with fans – The phrase definitely showed off his arrogance, and stupidity.
