stateofkane

Very true. Some people are more sensitive than others, and can ward off an attack easily by showing no emotion. The trick is to retaliate only when it will come out as logical. If someone shows blind anger with a generalized insult like, "bitch, asshole" it can usually backfire unless you are physically stronger or intimidating.

Even being physically stronger can make no difference in our modern era. It is perfectly legal to insult someone without overt harrassment, but to use physical violence can get you in trouble. These cruel people you speak of take advantage of this. Most are not physically strong, and are usually with friends or a clique when they launch attacks.

In the past, and more primitive cultures today (not necessarily less civilized), it is physical strength that prevails, not emotional.