I was embarrassed by adults multiple times in my youth. When I first got into gangster rap I would sag my pants and I remember my pops publicly pantsed me whenever he would catch me sagging.
(As an adult I’ve never sagged my pants so I guess it worked out).
My pops also had friends that would make fun of me constantly. Especially his one boy Mike (what made it hard was the dude is hilarious). He would make fun of my big ears to the point that I would cry. I learned to fire shots back and my pops taught me about “the dozens” and it helped me to
A: face and overcome my insecurities.
B: become quick witted and learn to make funny responses.
(In many ways it helped me become a better version of myself and be comfortable with my perceived shortcomings from a very young age).
I used to get bullied a lot when I went to stay with my dad (south LA) I’m half Black half white so I would volley from predominantly white schools to then predominantly black schools. I never really felt that I fit in at a young age. After getting jumped one of the times (they tried to make me strip my clothes off to embarrass me, which I didn’t which lead to more violence). I asked to switch schools (again). He said a man can’t run from his problem’s in life. He signed me up for a Boxing gym so I had the confidence and tools to handle any problems in life. He made be go back to the school and wouldn’t let me avoid the bullies. It’s like my first boxing coach told me when I signed up “if your alone in a dark alley, your never really alone if you know how to box”. Boxing gave me confidence that I didn’t need to seek validation from others I earned self validation through hard work…then naturally people wanted to be around me because I emanated more confidence.
I don’t believe in shielding kids from any form of perceived negativity or bullying etc. I believe in teaching my kids to have the tools to deal with life on life’s terms. The world can be a harsh place I’ve always appreciated the lessons my pops taught me whether intentional or otherwise.
My pops is like a real life Furious.
