Richard remembers what his dad always told him, “Don’t be a punk! If anyone tries to mess with you, fight back.” Richard knew that if he were actually in trouble, he could count on his dad to help him, but for the past two years Richard’s dad has been living on his own. Now he feels even more pressure to protect himself at school, and sometimes that means making an example of other kids. Richard has started to pick on other students, calling them names, and even intimidating those who seem ‘weaker’ in his eyes. He feels like he needs to make his mark so the jocks don't gang up on him, and this is the only way he knows how.