Another TV show that played with this concept well is "30 Rocks", with the main protagonist dreading to go to her high school reunion because she was a nerdy girl mocked by the high-school bully, As the episode go on, she realize that she was the bully, everyone was terrified of her and her extremely cruel remarks, including her friend who was afraid of her, turning the whole 'underdog nerd' trope on it's head.
On a more serious note, this is also why I'm wary of the "punching up" or "punching down" rethoric, because it's often easy to downplay any form of violence as justified retribution.
It's a perfect show. There are so many hilarious lines. My favorite has to be when tracy says "don't make me show you the back of my hand" and then on his hand is written "please be nice to me".
My second favorite show of all time (second only to Arrested Development). Many shows have memorable/quotable lines, but 30 Rock has more memorable lines per season than many shows do in their entire run. It is rapid fire on another level.
My favorite that I use on a regular basis, from Tracy: "I can't change! I'm like a chameleon -- always a lizard."
On a more serious note, this is also why I'm wary of the "punching up" or "punching down" rethoric, because it's often easy to downplay any form of violence as justified retribution.