We seem to be mixing a couple of issues on this board:
1. The race to mediocrity is an issue by itself and only related to bullying in a minor way.
2. Bullying: Take it from a guy who's been there, most of you asshats don't have a clue. The few little fights and scuffles to establish position are one thing, while painfull at the time, are pretty minor stuff. When a child spends his entire 12 years of schooling in defensive mode because he is the school whipping boy, that is the kind of bullying that is the problem. Even when he stands up for himself against one, another steps up to put him down again. He has no friends because anyone who may sympathize with him are afraid to be tarred with the same brush. Anytime any adult steps in to try and help, it only makes things worse as the bullies step it up becasue he "squealed". It is not only physical abuse, there is harrasment in the form of name calling, having books stolen and destroyed therby losing marks on homework assignments. If he trys to explain about the homework, see previous statement about adult interference. He can't even go the to washroom in peace, because some asshat will throw water on his crotch.
I can't think of how many times I wanted to cause a Columbine type event. And since then, it is even worse for the persecuted becasue if anyone appears the least bit dangerous, the police are called in to add to the persecution and bullying.
I am only a little sory about this rant, but the display of ignorance and lack of compassion displayed in the thread really makes want to go out and shoot something, starting with a few of you pricks!