Understanding mockery

I have been picked on throughout my entire school life, which is something that, until recently, I've never fully understood.

In primary school I was mocked for my trademark mushroom haircut; something I had possessed since I first sprouted hair. You know, the old bob-and-full-fringe look. I sported my fringe for the first 12 years of my life, with my unlayered lengths gradually growing to my hips by year 6.
(Ah youth.)

My hair was so memorable that my new nickname emerged: "The Fringe".
(So original, people. I mean, really?)

The "Fringe" epidemic affected my confidence. I became quite a shy child; self-consciousness and sensitivity were oozing out of me, which made me an easy target for those bullies. Whenever anyone commented on my fringe, I became upset and reacted rather defensively. My reaction itself would then set off yet another surge of mocking, causing me more grief.

Either you relate to this or are marveling at the weakness of my pathetic primary school self. Either way, we're on common ground.

Now in my penultimate year of high school (fringe thankfully grown out), there are still some people who would love to watch me crumble under their mockery, purely for their own enjoyment.

However, I've realized something so simple, yet too important to let slip.

People only mock for your attention, which is probably the most pathetic goal to have. These people will keep trying harder every time to grab hold of your attention, but as long as you don't give in, they'll squirm under your laser light of indifference.

But why would they want your attention?

I'll bet it's because they think you're attractive.