"Getting cooler" was probably not the right way to say it, but I didn't want to write a novel. What I mean is that there are certain behaviors which are not really permissible in everyday function. For example,

• Not looking at people when you talk to them
• If someone makes fun of you, not being able to "play the dozens" with them. ie) someone says your shoes are dumb, and you start crying and run away rather than replying that you got them from their mom. You don't have to be a genius, you just need to say something.
  
• Asking inappropriate personal questions
• Inappropriate touching or staring
• Bad personal hygiene
• ect.

I'm not saying you have completely change your personality or interests. There are plenty of gay people and japanese cartoon fans that don't get bullied. What I am saying is that there is a minimum level of etiquette you must partake in to function in society. For example, you must wear clothes.

In my experience, people who are bullied are generally people who fail to meet this minimum standard, and it isn't that hard to meet. A small amount of coaching or parenting is usually enough. Even if there was no bullying, we would still want people to reach this minimum standard. Bullying is just the natural mechanism that society has used to achieve it.

Also, imo bullying is better than the alternative, which is what happens with adults. If you don't meet a minimum standard later in life, people just choose not to hang out with you.