I agree with you and with Sebastian. As in most things, context needs to be given. In settings with 1 or 2 bullies, a show of strength is enough to have someone back down. In other settings with many bullies, I agree with max here in that it's better to solve it without violence.

My mom taught for many years in urban inner-city high schools. Had she stood up to bullies who bullied other kids or teachers she would have had to deal with bullies whose parents had been shot or killed in drug deals. There is a different mentality there.

Sometimes a show of strength is the best thing, sometimes a show of kindness is the best thing.