exquisite horror of their reality."
-- Edgar Allan Poe
Words as Weapons
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you…" We've all been consoled by caring parents, after being teased as a child for being called -- fat, ugly, four-eyes, brace face or stupid.., and many more -- much harsher and vulgar words… But being a parent is probably the hardest thing anyone can do.., and even though we like to think they always have the answers -- sometimes they just don't.., they are just human, after all.
It's like some secret magic phrase, that will shield you from all the insults and derogatory things ever said about you -- "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me..," and for a brief moment in time -- it works, you feel better. Like those magic words -- Abracadabra.., that simple phrase that has been repeated so many times, by parents and others worldwide, rings true in our minds and helps heal our heart… Like some ancient words of wisdom, passed down through time to ease your aching soul.
But -- yes, there is always a but…
We quickly learn that words can cut deeper than any knife.., and have been responsible for just as much pain, than all the sticks and stones ever thrown. So much so, we will actually seek out the nastiest, targeted words to hurt and demean… And when necessary, we wield those words with the precision of a Samurai, knowing exactly what will inflict the most pain. In the hands of a gifted wordsmith they are as dangerous a weapon as they come…
What ever happened to.., if you don't have anything good to say --
Shut The Fuck Up!
Shut The Fuck Up!
We've are all aware of people actually taking there own life -- killing themselves.., because they were: bullied at school, a verbally abused wife, children of dominating parents.., just to name a few of the many reasons, words can be used as a mortal weapon -- we've seen this.., it is a reality.
As the better of our human qualities continues to get drowned out.., by all the lame, hurtful, divisive and useless rhetoric being thrown around by our so-called "elected leaders..," words seem to have taken center stage, only giving way to the deplorable physical manifestations, we seem to be witnessing on a daily basis -- mass shootings and other acts of terror. This hateful speech and disdain, people seem to have no problem voicing, is not only playing directly into their nemesis's hands -- but making the whole world, so much less than it should and can be…
The Power of Words
**These "words" that were not supposed to be able to hurt us.., **have most recently taken aim at a certain group of politicians, a group of young girls, the citizens of London.., and a mosque. These scornful "words" although when spoken hold many prejudices -- do not discriminate. This is not theory or hypothesis.., we wake to new acts of violence regularly, like we are tuning into the latest TV reality show…
And although only the most gruesome and vulgar of these acts hits your newsfeed, we all have seen many times in the past, peoples whole lives ruined by words -- false or not… Complete smear campaigns meant, not just insult.., but completely destroy and malign. Each day we are subject to such reckless behavior, we move further and further away from such qualities as -- empathy and compassion, understand and tolerance. We are being taken down a path, that cannot have a good end…
Make no mistake words can be used as a weapon of mass destruction --
so watch what you say!
so watch what you say!
With no visible end in sight to these baseless barbs.., our vibration sinks even lower… On an unconscious level our minds are being taught to accept this bullshit.., just by it's constant presence in our lives -- the daily headlines of yet another massacre, the latest inflammatory 140 characters being tweeted out at 3am… It is not good enough to impose death and destruction anymore -- now words are being used to attack our psyche's.., our very intelligence is being challenged by what has become known as "fake news" -- more words!
Understanding the outcome of the words that cross your lips, is not always evident… And it is not uncommon to hurt someones feelings by accident, with a thoughtless comment -- which has been, in the past, followed up by an apology… But in our present world, apologies and understanding have been over shadowed by our baser instincts. If we can't win the battle between good and evil with our words.., how do we expect the current situation our world is experiencing to change, at all. And just like a brush fire, the longer it burns.., the hotter it gets -- until nothing is left.
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With the growing digital world, people feel less connection to others and therefore begin to speak to others as if everyone else is trash. When you don't have to look someone in the face, it's much easier to put them down.
We are unfortunately in a growing society of insecure individuals who only feel better about themselves by acting like a hotshot online and trashing other people. It's been happening since the advent of the internet and growing astronomically since smart phones gained popularity.
We all need to take a step away from technology (for an extended period of time) and reconnect with real people. That's the only way that we will regain empathy and "humanity".
.. sorry, that was a bit of a /rant
I hear ya... Technology has has only kept us connected on the surface -- and right below that, we have never been more disconnected to one another... Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Thanks for the great post!
I really liked (and could relate to):
What ever happened to.., if you don't have anything good to say --
Shut The Fuck Up!
thanks
No problem...
Words are spells; words can be used as weapons.
People pay less attention to words (as the quote from your title suggests) and yet they may leave deeper scars. People don't pay attention because there are no visible scars you can show; no bullet wounds. And yet, the wounds are there... and you only "see" them when the person who once was on the receiving end suddenly "jumps irrationally" at hearing a certain-- seemingly innocent-- turn of phrase.
Verbal (and emotional) abuse is a very real thing....
No doubt about it -- they leave scars!
Use your mouth wisely. Chose your words correctly. Giving as much love as we can.
I love your type of writing, I'm a non-native English speaker (do we say that?), and I perfectly understand your point of view. You make complexity easy.
Cheers from Switzerland.
Feel free to check my last post, maybe you’ll like it! <3
Thanks.., I appreciate your comment very much... I will make a point of checking out your blog. CHEERS from NYC!
I think twice b4 i speak amongst certain folk and though I pride myself on honesty I certainly withhold some truths from others so not to hurt or offend.
It's called being human.., and respectful -- Cheers @blockchainbilly!
As the wise Socrates said, `words take us away from ourselves'. They carry weight where they should be weightless.
Can't say it better than that... Thanks @linzo
It is said that the pen is mighter than the sword. Words are just medium of expression and can be used for both good and evil. As my name @positivesteem implies, I use words to motivate, encourage and inspire others in my posts.
No doubt... And I commend all your positivity...))
Ha ha, that's why my username is @positivesteem. Do check out my poems and positive posts.
I'll definitely check it out...))
:))
Words are the most valuable human being, unfortunately less and less respected every time and less heard, I was born in the time and in a province where the pabra was everything, for me it is still the same, many times I am disappointed To see that less and less people use it.
Excellent post dear friend @ macksby, thank you very much for sharing
Have a beautiful weekend
Thanks so much @jlufer... They do hold so much power and tradition!
thank for the post mate...really liked it
Appreciate it... CHEERS!
Me too
I think because a lot of us grew up being told "they're just words" that the weight of said words fly by us until we end up saying something we utterly regret. And in cases of anger, words are easier to wield than a weapon so you bet the most hurtful words in one's arsenal would get the light of day. What's worse, because of technology, it's easy to spew out toxic words since it's rare where one is held responsible for whatever consequences that might occur (hello keyboard warriors!). It's a sad thought to forget that words DO HURT and that the kindest word one can say is to leave an unkind word left unsaid.
I'll drink to that... CHEERS!