Why do you think Brandon Simmons picks on Ghost? How does Ghost respond to Brandon?

Brandon uses the excuse that he picks on Ghost because he is poor, but Brandon's real reasons have nothing to do with Ghost or his economic status. brandon is a bully because he is trying to prove how tough he is to himself... he has poor self-esteem, and he has been held back in school because of his academics. His actions, though it might seem crazy, are intended to make him feel better about himself.

Ghost responds by beating Brandon up.