One thing you learn whilst living poor in those ignored sections of any city is to keep your mouth shut unless you have the means to back yourself up at the drop of a hat. It is a lesson that I have witnessed oh-so-many poor shlubs learn the hard way.
Some chose to ignore the inevitable public stomping they would receive after what I like to call "faking toughness" for as long as they could manage to keep it going. Just as soon as that cover was blown, after all, it was always crucial that the debunker of this tough guy theory take those extra steps to set the example. A grab of the collar generally helps [ed] to yank the head into the punches.
To some folks, "faking toughness" seems like a good defense mechanism. It often begins with some sort of staged event. Sometimes punching a wall or maybe carrying around a scary looking weapon. Perhaps a cart full of blank index cards helps to create the illusion.
Generally, the first success is an easy one. The "tough guy" had assuredly spent a good amount of time planning the inaugural event and waited until the safest moment to execute the plan. However, as time passes, it becomes more difficult to maintain the persona. Often the "tough guy" enlists others to help in keeping the persona alive by creating and spreading the "tough guy" message; creating and repeating slogans hailing the supposed toughness of the individual ("the Architect".)
But behold, someone approaches from beyond the consensus that supports the supposed "tough guy." This person is not affected by all of the inflated reports. He couldn't care less about those who hover around the tough guy and issue stark warnings. He walks right through them knowing that they will soon witness the truth he is about to deliver.
It is at this time that people like me catch 3 busses and a train to witness the "fight of the century." After all, English class will be there tomorrow.
The fight is almost always the same. Cornered, the "tough guy" can do nothing else but inflate himself and make loud gestures, hoping to instill fear into his opponent and maybe get his supporters into the brawl. Because he has no real experience, the only move he can muster is a series of "C'mon's" and dramatic pushes. His glazed, wide, and shaky eyes always tell the true story.
The crowd of supporters wallows in confusion; almost fearful of where they will be once the persona is debunked. Then, with graceful ease but harsh intensity, the ass kicking begins.
The "tough guy" quickly discovers the grave mistake he had made by believing his own lie. As he fumbles to block the first blows, he realizes that no help is coming. Upon the first blow, he is thrust back into his own horrid reality. Despite what he's heard or embellished or led himself to believe, there are no words to describe what it feels like to be punched in the face. And so, his big, tough move is to hit the pavement and curl himself into a ball. It is in this position that he begins to hear the reversal of his once beloved supporters. For, they are now free from the illusion.
His opponent becomes his conqueror. In complete silence, the real "tough guy" is revealed. Thus, the afore-mentioned example must be set. With every yank of the collar, another supposed "tough guy" goes down the tubes.