Susan Boyle Taunted on the Train

Yesterday, Susan Boyle was riding the train from Edinburgh when adolescent boys began to taunt her.

According to The Sun, Susan Boyle was minding her own business when the bullies started taking pictures, pointing, and laughing. Fellow passengers were disgusted at the behavior of these bullies.

The Scottish singing sensation tried to maintain dignity, but finally snapped, giving them a piece of her mind:

"'I'm normally patient but I am about to greet, greet, greet. I don't normally get angry with people.' The tearful Britain's Got Talent runner-up continued: 'I'm ashamed of you all - shut up. I'm warning you, it's not funny. You wouldn't like it.'"

While no one can condone the behavior of these bullies, one has to wonder why Boyle was even traveling alone on public transportation to begin with. Unlike many public figures, it is admirable that Boyle is humble enough to continue living her pre-fame life and to not forget where she came from.

On the other hand, there is a practical reason why celebrities have personal drivers and body guards. As a high-profile figure, Susan Boyle is even more susceptible to attacks (both verbal and physical) from mean-spirited or mentally imbalanced detractors.

This is especially important for Boyle. Some celebrities seem to have a thick skin, while others even welcome attacks (as negative attention is seen as better than none). Yet Susan Boyle seems to have a particularly sensitive constitution and probably takes such taunts and insults to heart.

It's idealistic to believe that celebrities can continue to lead normal, unassuming lives, and, at heart, Boyle may still be the unassuming church singer from Blackburn, Scotland. Yet, as seen in yesterday's unfortunate bullying incident, fame comes with a price. Thankfully these bullies did not become physically violent. Otherwise, the incident might have taken an even more unfortunate turn.

Luckily for the singer, living well is the best revenge. She is living her dream by pursuing music, and making a lot of money for it. She certainly has enough money to afford a driver. Hopefully she'll take advantage of it next time so that this type of incident won't happen again.

Sources:

Yobs push SuBo to the brink, The Sun