Let’s talk about a type of person we’ve all come across at some point in our lives—the Plastic Bully. Now, who are they? These are the people who act like they’re bigger, stronger, and more important than you, especially when they’re in a group. They think your disability or the fact that you’re different in some way gives them a reason to pick on you. They’re loud, they show off, and they try to make you feel small. But here’s the thing about plastic bullies—they’re not as tough as they seem.
When they’re alone, with no backup, no friends to cheer them on, their confidence disappears. They don’t look so big anymore. In fact, they’re the exact opposite. They won’t even look you in the eye. They go quiet, they avoid you, and it’s like they’re walking around with their tail between their legs. That’s why I call them plastic bullies—because their toughness isn’t real. It’s fake, like plastic. It looks solid, but it breaks easily under pressure.
Let me share a story with you. When I was in school, I had to deal with people like this all the time. They’d gang up on me, laugh at me, and say things that hurt, thinking they could bring me down. I stood out because of my disability, and for some reason, they thought that made me an easy target. But I noticed something interesting about these people. The louder they were in a group, the quieter they became when I saw them on their own.
One day, I bumped into one of these bullies outside of school. He didn’t have his friends with him, and suddenly, he was a completely different person. He didn’t make a single mean comment. He didn’t even have the nerve to look at me. That’s when I realized the truth: their strength comes from the crowd, not from themselves. Without the crowd, they’re powerless.
Here’s why this matters. When someone tries to bully you, it’s easy to think there’s something wrong with you. Their words can make you feel like you’re less than you are. But the problem isn’t with you—it’s with them. Bullies act the way they do because they’re trying to hide something about themselves. Maybe they feel insecure. Maybe they’re afraid of being seen as weak. Or maybe they just don’t know how to deal with their own problems. Whatever the reason, it’s never about you.
Now, I won’t lie to you. Dealing with plastic bullies is tough. It hurts when people try to bring you down. But here’s the most important thing you need to remember: you are stronger than they are. Your strength doesn’t come from a crowd or from pretending to be something you’re not. It comes from being real, being honest, and standing tall no matter what.
The next time you face a plastic bully, don’t let them see you break. Stand your ground. Look them in the eye. You don’t have to say much. Sometimes, your silence and confidence are enough to show them that their words have no power over you. And if you get the chance, try to see them for what they really are. Not a threat, but someone who’s struggling in their own way.
To those listening to this who have faced bullies, I want you to know something. You’re not alone. Many of us have been there, and we’ve come out stronger on the other side. You have the power to rise above, no matter how hard it feels in the moment. And to anyone listening who might realize they’ve been the bully, it’s not too late to change. Real strength doesn’t come from tearing people down—it comes from lifting them up.
Let’s create a world where we’re not trying to step on each other to feel strong. Let’s be the kind of people who stand tall, not because we’re looking down on others, but because we’ve learned to rise above. If we can do that, we’ll show everyone—bullies included—what real strength looks like. And trust me, it’s not made of plastic.
