[von Ryan]

That article is so true.
I think pretty much everything has been said. It's the same thing here in Brazil, although I don't think it is as bad as the situation in the US. I am a nerd, I do admit that, but I should stress that I'm not as introspective as the examples he puts in the article. I think that from now on I'll have to focus on the fact that I'm "playing a game that is much closer to the real life". School is a disgusting place, period. I don't think you can argue with that. I doesn't matter how much control you exercise, there will always be underground bullying and harassing. I do consider myself harassed -- I don't consider kicking a soccer ball on me a fun game, even if I get the chance to kick back.
I am a conscient system victim, but my sole efforts are too little to change it. The best I can do is turn my back on them.