I don't know how to reply other than to say I'm appalled at your obvious contempt for those who're weaker than yourself. One of the lessons of bushi is that a warrior does not hold the gentle people beneath him.
Posted by Melas:
"...I don't know how to reply other than to say I'm appalled at your obvious contempt for those who're weaker than yourself. One of the lessons of bushi is that a warrior does not hold the gentle people beneath him..."
Melas, I believe you have misread my post. I do not hold this teacher in contempt. In fact, she was probably a delightful, warm, and kind person. The exact person you hope to have as a next-door neighbor.
My point is that her fate was doomed from the start. Whether her life was preordained to intersect with a carjacker, airplane terrorist, or quickie-mart robber, her destiny was to emerge holding the shortest straw.
The women in my family are sweet, soft-spoken, and gentle but will fight like a cornered badger if threatened. Giving, helpful, and respectful to everyone unless the warrior spirit needs to be instantaneously awakened...
That's my point. This poor woman couldn't "call upon those reserves" in a time when unrestrained violence was appropriate...because self-preservation wasn't part of her composition. Hopefully this is clearer for you.
~ Blue Jays ~