Board Thread:Episode Discussion/@comment-34633327-20171201215836/@comment-24994749-20171205171147

BenRG wrote: If Cardin would have got anything other than Ozpin's disapproving glare, it would have been harsh words because, in the end, he didn't do anything directly actionable. Bullies tend to be careful like that. Additionally, Cardin wouldn't have been intimidated into backing off. It simply isn't in his nature to respond to threats like that as anything other than a challenge to his personal masculinity. It is much more likely that he would have doubled-down and even started targeting RWBY and JNPR too in order to prove his dominance. 1) Cardin/his team (I don't remember exactly), were pulling at Velvet's ears, enough for it to be painful. So they DO were being physically agresive, not just verbally.

While it wouldn't have justified a no barrels held beatdown, it would have excused pushing him back.

2) While I agree Cardin isn't the kind to back down, provoking bullies into initiating physical agression so I can incapacitate them in self defense worked just fine for me during high school. And, I mean, Cardin was already being physically agressive to Velvet.