Hitting below the belt
'To hit below the belt' is a common idiom in the English language. It
denotes talking unfair advantage over a person. In boxing or
kickboxing, this is not allowed. Figuratively it means, talking about
the weak points of a person to insult or humiliate him. It is not a
gentlemanly affair. Only mean, incompetent persons indulge in this
act.
Schools are good training grounds to perfect this art. Boys get into
duels, sometimes wordy, sometimes real physical fighting, rolling over
everywhere. Observers, supporters, friends, teachers who turn the
other way add strength for the game to flourish. The habit gets into
children's psyche. Adults can not give up the bad habit easily, even
upon realising it.
In TV serials I watch villains (every character turns a villain at
times!) using the technique smartly. They have a lashing tongue and a
fleecing wicked mind. The victim knows that he is being targeted but
can do very little to retort or fight it out openly. Threat is hidden
in words and almost amounts to blackmailing.
In political debates, opposition parties engage in this game with
ease. Always on the lookout to get even, they keep track of events /
statements of their enemies and take advantage in the verbal war
especially in the public forums. Hitting below the belt calls for
assessing the weakness of the opponents and seizing the opportunity to
encash upon it.
When someone hits another below the belt using the verbal mode, it is
fun for those watching but not for the victims. You can stop this
habit only when you realize that you are choosing to fight on unequal
terms, you are having an upper hand. It is a mean occurrence and one
should feel ashamed of it. Then we might change.
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Dr P Vyasamoorthy / 9490804278
