Joe-
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but if you avoid hurtin peoples feelings then I question your ability to tell the truth. I only say this because there is tact, saying something in a way that is truthful but not cruel, then there's avioding the truth to spare feelings. I don't intend to hurt someones feelings so I will use tact, but if you ask, I will tell you.
===============================================
I think that at different times in our lives, such as childhood there is to much competition and that creates situations like kids throwing the dodge ball at the weaker person or the teenangers from saying something really stupid and hurtful to impress their friends.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You know, dodgeball teaches you alot about life. 1, it is not fair. And 2, you have to learn to duck and dodge in order to survive. It is not about throwing at the weaker person. The biggest kid who can't climb the rope or run around the field is precieved weak, but is everyones worst nightmare on the dodgeball court. As for teens, you have to teach your kids that saying things like this does not make you cool, just cruel. I taught my kids this lesson by saying cruel things to them for them to see how it felt. Yes, I apologized and explained to them that is how the other person felt.
===================================================
I can't say I am against physical violence. Even now as I try to live a more christian life, I still believe that some people only understand a kick in the behind. I do not believe in violence for the sake of it, but I do believe that is a needed in some forms.