Lesson #358
“The Misfits” by James Howe
Every story needs an antagonist. Yet, not every antagonist is a bully. This story is as much about the bully, as it is about the misfits that find their voices in order to be seen and heard.
A bully is a crass individual who degrades those he sees as less than. He torments other people to feel superior. Name calling. Mockery. Threats. These are all part of his arsenal. But, a bully would lose steam quickly, if not surrounded by his minions. These people are what I call the “yuck-em-up” guys. Their self-esteem is so low, that the only way they are seen, is by continually propping up the bully. Whether it is laughing at his jokes, bolstering his confidence, or simply being in his orbit - no bully is complete without his “yuck-em-up” guys.
It’s funny. I hadn’t thought about this book and all the great lessons I taught from it, for my eighth grade classes, in a long time. But something about Donald Trump and his minions, brought me back to this book. I suppose what really got me thinking of “The Misfits” is Trump’s name calling.
Trump is a bully. And, yes, he is surrounded by his own legion of “yuck-em-up” guys. Politicians and non-politicians alike. Bullies only exist as long as they have an audience. Without his followers, inside and outside the White House, he too would lose steam and fade away.
In the book, the protagonists find their collective voice and call out the bully for what he is. It’s time for us to use our collective voices to call out Trump. To hold him and his minions accountable. Will this bring us all the happily-ever-after we deserve? I’m not sure, but it’s better than being at the mercy of a bully.
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