I thought the article was interesting and the eventual conclusion good, but really didn't like the sentiment to "have thicker skin" and to basically just "suck

I thought the article was interesting and the eventual conclusion good, but really didn't like the sentiment to "have thicker skin" and to basically just "suck it up" if someone is being mean to you. (He doesn't use those words, but that what he's saying.) That part seems like victim blaming to me. If people are mean to you without reason, you shouldn't put up with it. You should tell someone. Maybe they're approachable and you can confront them directly, or maybe not. But you absolutely should not get used to it or just accept it. You should do something about it.