Bullying occurs for two reason; weakness and difference. No one could have been more different yet more talented than Janis Joplin. The abuse that she suffered at the hands of bullies was unthinkable. Nothing was ever done and she used her music and art as a means of emotional expression. Regardless of how talented she was the scars always remained and she was emotionally troubled for most of her life, because of the harassment, intimidation, bullying and abuse.. She died of an accidental heroin over dose on October 4, 1970 at the young age of 27.