Exactly. Grown women aren't toddlers. Toddlers, by virtue of their age, aren't in control of their actions; it's the very same reason why we don't lock up two-year olds when they hit soneone. We don't have uninformed police officers in nursery schools just for that reason.
I learned not to hit/assault people way before I was old enough for college. There is absolutely no telling how someone is going to react to you putting your hands on them. Whether you're male or female, old or young, big or small the rules are the same: don't get violent with someone and they probably won't get violent with you in return.
It really isn't that complicated.
Correct -- it's not that complicated. That's why it's a shame that you're missing the point.
Yes, she shouldn't have hit him. She should've known better... Even a toddler or a 90 y.o. should know better.
But that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about HIS REACTION.
As a toddler, I was taught to not to talk shit to cops. Was taught not to toddle away or struggle as they're trying to cuff me. Is it okay for cops to shoot down people who do such things? Are they "defending themselves" when they blast (or brutalize) a drunk who talks back or struggles?
...Or is shooting them down excessive and disproportionate?
The answers are obvious. Just as obvious: this guy's reaction to a love tap from a chick half his size was excessive. And even more important -- far more important -- IT DIDN'T HELP HIM AT ALL. He wasn't "defending himself". Her love tap wasn't going to land him in the hospital -- but being jumped in county might. Her little shove wasn't going to change his life -- but the internet infamy and criminal record might.
The dude doesn't even gain pride. I can see clocking a guy like that -- even a little guy -- for doing what she did. But clocking a little cheerleader like that doesn't even defend your pride.
And it's worth saying: I bet he would've been a wee bit more hesitant if the person shoving him was a linebacker twice his size.
Anyway, I'm still waiting for someone here to tell me what he
gained from a reaction like that.