“Mr. Tough Guy”
I read a story about a man in NYC who stabbed 2 individuals over an incident, which involved 2 friends accidentally hitting him with a bag that was intended to go into a garbage bin. After he was hit, the gentleman then grabbed for his knife, and proceeded to stab and kill the 2 young men over that incident. I read this, and just shook my head the whole time about how pointless, and how this little incident will forever changed the lives for all of the parties involved. I have seen, and read many instances that could be very much avoided, but because of pride, it is taken to a whole another level. Through the years of I have seen my definition of ‘tough’ change dramatically, compared to when I was younger.
When I was younger, I thought being ‘tough’ was associated with who could scream the loudest, who looked, or dressed a certain way, or who could fight the best. I thought if you got the other person to be quiet, you won, because you were able to put others in their place, and bring yourself up in the process. I thought this way, partly because of my environment, but mostly from my own ignorance. As I see it now, boy was I wrong.
As I mature, I have a new found perspective on the word ‘tough’. For me being tough comes so much more from the inside, than the outside. It is more about qualities a person has, compared to how much they can lift, or how sharp their tongue is. A tough person is calm, collective, in control of their actions, and does not let outside factors easily affect him or her. They are able to persevere through tough situations, even when they can’t see the light at the end of tunnel. My examples of being tough today are my parents who came to America with not a dime in their pockets, worked long hours to always provide meals for my 3 sisters and I, not the UFC fighters, or boxers I see on pay-per view.
Now YP’s, we all know there are instances where some people need to be put in their place. We must stand up for ourselves, but for the most part, there are many instances to avoid petty confrontations, and it is just best to walk away. Also, as I am growing and learning, I see a whole new definition of tough, one that has nothing to do with what a person has, but who they are in the inside…
YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
love this blog. Ignorant people who threaten ppl with force / violence are no where close to being tuff. They are just stupid useless people who i can’t shake my head enuff at.
Thanks for taking the time out to share this with the world. I really appreciate this. Keep doing what you’re doing.