...what Artisteroi typed!

I think more people than you realize on this site have had similar experiences, actually. Don't let it get to you.

I'll admit I usually patrol in plain clothes but the few times I've gone out in full costume I haven't heard much. Most of the time they scoff and walk away. Probably a better choice than openly berating a huge, armored man with bear ears. What I am still surprised by is how supportive people usually are. Its easy to expect the worst when you finally got your whole costume on, look in the mirror and think "This is what I'm doing with my life..." But once you get out there people don't laugh so much as they cheer you on. Many seem eager to help, even. What I'm getting at is the best way to overcome all the negativity in the world is to accentuate the positive. Try to shift your perspective and think about all the people who looked in your eyes, shook your hand and thanked you just for trying to make a difference. Those are the moments that should matter most.

Exactly, Bearman. We inspire people. That's why we do this crazy thing we do.

I have never been bullied to any taumatic extent, just suffered the normal childhood teasing that thickens the skin of the average person. When people insult or bully us, I think our reaction to that is indicative of our self-perception. The more we are down on ourselves, the more we will take such bullying and insults personally. These bullies don't know us, or what we're about, so why should their opinion matter at all, or make anyone feel bad?

Remember what it is that you do every day to make your community a better, safer place to live -- even for the morons who bully you -- and you can feel good about yourself no matter what anyone says. You might even ask taunters what they have done lately to help anyone. Making taunters think is one way to shut them up. It takes all the brainpower they normally use to form insults.

Physical bullying is a much different subject, and your response depends on who is doing the bullying to some extent. A 100lb girl isn't going to combat a 250lb abusive co-worker, male or female, unless they really like hospital food. Physical assault is a crime, and I would suggest you report it to police. It is never acceptable, and should not be tolerated. Or...kick 'em in the ding-ding, as Superhero might say.

You get used to it over time. Start being a freak early for practice.

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You look like paul reubens there.

You're a fuckstick.