I tend to agree and teach this to my son with a very specific set of "rules of engagement", as I had a very similar experience - but without the positive ending

I tend to agree and teach this to my son with a very specific set of "rules of engagement", as I had a very similar experience - but without the positive ending. Basically I found trying that when your bullies are hardcore norteño gangbangers and you are 130lbs soaking wet with zero self confidence - and well it doesn't work out and it only infuriated them even more. The key though is: If you are going to take a beating, then fight back and if you get your ass beat, you get your ass beat - at least 30 years later you will not look back on yourself in those moments with disgust, because only later did you decide to stand up for yourself.