I see headcanons about Oswald being bullied at school or university a lot, and I feel terribly sorry for those who have been through this experience.
But guys. Come on. Oswald Cobblepot that overthrew all other mafia leaders? Oswald Cobblepot that became a mayor? Oswald “I happy to beat a guy with baseball-bat” Cobblepot? You kidding me.
Those words Oswald’s mother told him every night wasn’t about that. She was telling him he’s different and it’s fine.
And, well, those ones who are different are often misunderstood. People always trying to get to them in any way (good, bad, no matter). They feel strength.
I was bullied too. Until one magnificent, life changing day when I fought back. And another day. And another. And even when it was over, I continued being a complete asshole who always had a ready tongue. The truth is that my classmates were afraid of me, of my freedom to be myself and not hiding it. So they bullied me, yeah. And after that, when I finally showed my teeth to them, everything stopped immediately and started to look as it truly was: now they really was afraid of that psycho and decided to not touch him at all. I continued to be sarcastic bitch for the art’s sake, but it was not necessary anymore. It wasn’t defence, I just was a little evil shit that days (still am, to be honest, but now more, you know, seasoned little shit).
They never started loving me though, but my places in classrooms had never been taken, because, when someone accidentally did, one another told them “oh it’s that freak’s place, go find another one before he spots you here”.
So yeah. If they don’t like you, push them down the stairs when no one can see. I strongly believe Oswald was talking about his way to solve the problem. Not to mention that Oswald himself could be bullying everyone, I pretty like that version too.
To sum all of my experience, Oswald most likely felt kinda lonely rather then anything and that hurts too, but in other way. Not helpless, not traumatised, just lonely. It’s not a tragedy when everything is good at home, and at home Oswald always had his loving mother. That’s why that man became what he became, which would not be possible if he was just a bullied victim. Oswald never was. Even when Edward, the man he loved, almost shot him to death, Oswald felt not only hurt, but anger. That’s why I love this little penguin so much. You just cannot be that mean to Oswald Cobblepot or you are a dead man. Or frozen one. Even if he loves you. Oswald self-esteem is iconic. Killing people in real live (I wish I could move to Gotham so hard, one body more one less…) is more difficult, but we all have our own ways to stand up for ourselves. We should use them as Oswald does.
I never meant to hurt anyone feelings here though, bullying is awful. Just remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them. Freaking out, getting envy or just being jerks, that’s could be truth too.
Get over them. Become a crime authority. Become a mayor. That’s what I learned from Oswald. While they underestimate you, you just get rid of them.
Thank you for coming to my villain ted talk, my fair gothamites, stay tuned, stay loved, stay evil!