Human facemasks impose restraint on lethal actions
In a world where wolves, rats, and snakes seem to rule, a young girl named Rachel finds herself constantly battling her own challenges. She often wonders about her friends in the book, "Watership Down," and is particularly concerned about Fiver, a character who, like her, may be vulnerable and misunderstood.
Rachel's life, however, is not confined to the pages of a book. She is constantly reminded that she must become more resilient to survive, a lesson that has led to her enrolling in martial arts lessons as a last resort. Yet, even in this new environment, Rachel continues to be the scapegoat, often made a fool of and feeling out of place.
One day, a pigeon with a broken wing flies into the martial arts training room, and Rachel, showing compassion, kneels and strokes its small head. The pigeon, in turn, watches the training from a side beam, a silent observer in this world of humans. Rachel dreams of being a bird, free from the worries of the world and her obligations.
The martial arts instructor, unaware of the injured pigeon, urges the students to attack and move quickly during practice. Rachel trudges to the back of the group, feeling like a mouse searching for a hole or a hedgehog longing to hibernate. After class, she faces her mother, who sits on a small wooden platform, ready to deliver a lecture.
Rachel's experiences of constant bullying and martial arts training have had complex psychological effects. While martial arts can foster self-discipline, confidence, and physical empowerment, it can also contribute to stress and reinforce aggressive tendencies if not balanced appropriately.
For Rachel, the supportive and respectful environment of martial arts has acted as a protective factor, improving her resilience and self-confidence. Yet, the trauma of bullying looms large, potentially overshadowing these benefits and leading to complex mental health challenges.
The long-term psychological effects of constant bullying on a young girl can include persistent anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, distrust in others, post-traumatic stress symptoms, difficulties in relationships, and feelings of shame and hopelessness. It is crucial for supportive environments and interventions to address bullying, along with positive martial arts instruction focusing on personal growth rather than aggression, to improve psychological outcomes.
In the end, Rachel stands on the mat, feeling out of place compared to her coach who is described as strong and fearless. Yet, she perseveres, finding solace in the companionship of the injured pigeon and the pages of her book, "Watership Down." Her journey continues, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
[1] Smith, J. (2018). The long-term effects of bullying on victims. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-other-side-trauma/201802/the-long-term-effects-bullying-on-victims
[2] Kowalski, R. M., & Limber, S. P. (2013). Bullying prevention and intervention: An evidence-based approach. Guilford Press.
[3] Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, D. C. (2004). Bullying in schools: Prevalence, consequences, and what we can do about it. Educational Psychology in Practice, 20(3), 179-188.
- Rachel's interest in martial arts, a pursuit that initially offered a sense of solace, has evolved into a space where she continues to grapple with her sense of belonging, mirroring her experiences in the world outside the dojo.
- Despite the offerings of self-defense and resilience that martial arts can instill, Rachel's life beyond the mat remains a battleground, witnessing the ongoing struggle between her vulnerability and her desire to stand strong against the forces that cast her as other.
