Puh-leeeeeze.
That poor little girl was told to man up and deal with it, five days a week.
Sounds like YOU could have used a little of Dr. Laura's philosophy when you were a kid if as an adult you think you're entitled to "an insult-free workplace." Life is a series of "manning up" moments, and 99 percent of the time (as with this little girl), you're called on to man up to accepting responsibility for yourself. You either man up, or flunk out until the next manning up moment, when hopefully you'll do better.
Well, I guess I will just disagree with you. I don’t think little kids should have to put up with abuse that adults can’t even take.
“Manning up” does not mean letting people abuse you. I don’t tolerate abuse much.
And there is nothing “manly” about demanding that a little girl defend herself against a bunch of nasty bullies. That is cowardice. That girl’s parents should have been defending her. They are her PARENTS.
Are you a man? You protect her, and other women and children.
Don’t shove her into the pit and tell her to figure it out herself. Don’t put your fingers into your ears as she cries for help, soothing your conscience by saying you are “toughening her up.” No you’re not. You’re abandoning her.
If we were talking about a grown man I’d agree with you. But we are not talking about a grown man.