I heard something recently that explains much about the state of this country and, in some ways, the world. I will start with a simple question that I know every single reader on this site can answer with little thought. Fill in this phrase: “Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will _______________?”
Alright, that was easy. But try a little experiment in the outside world. Ask anyone under 30 today and the answer you get most likely will be different from the one you grew up with. Here is the answer I get, or a close variation anyway:
Sticks and Stones will break my bones but words will cut right through me.
No longer are mere words cast off as relatively harmless things that are best ignored by the civilized man or woman. Instead, the concept now is that the damage done by words is far more hurtful and long-lasting than anything done by sticks and stones, that the scars from words will last a lifetime but the flesh will heal.
Having enlightened a few others about this radical redefinition of an old truism, I’ve had a few so-called conservatives jump down my throat for favoring the original definition. I simply suppose that a knife to the chest would be far more serious than someone calling me an “idiot” or a “moron.” They instead agree with the redefinition. They believe strongly in the hurtfulness of words, elevating “feelings” beyond sane proportion. I do not sometimes respond to them very nicely, I must admit. Some have even said I was hurtful.
First of all, if we are to live in a free society, with true freedom of speech, do we not owe it to the rising generations to teach them to deal with words spoken by truly hateful people? And do we really want to become such thin-skinned people that we turn the entire society into a vapid “safe space” as you hear about on college campuses where students are unable to deal even with minor disagreements?
The original meaning of “sticks and stones” was not about rearranging the outer world to conform to our most pampered pleasure bubble world. It was about how to handle ourselves in a world that inherently, would not always be so comforting and pleasing. (Note: In this political season, we all need to revisit this when we get all butt-hurt because someone does not like the candidate of our choosing.)
This redefinition of an old tried-and-true Western/Christian adage — whose very purpose was to get people to refrain from physical violence, and certainly not to encourage name-calling — is just another arrow in the Leftist quiver, breaking down America. It’s a new way for the forever-juveniles in our culture to find offense and grievance instead of growing up and facing reality.
And it’s a dishonest political tool for the unscrupulous. If I’m saying my piece, no matter how rational and even-tempered, and you can just run home to momma because you claim to be emotionally hurt, you win the argument without even properly engaging in a discussion. The squeaky wheel not only gets the grease but the wheel flattens the very idea of there being two sides to a story or even the idea that there can be a diversity of ideas. Instead, thought and reason are held hostage to insincere emotionalism.
Let this concept sink in for a moment. This is not some fringe idea or movement. The redefinition of “sticks and stones” comes from the government schools and is supported by a growing majority of parents today (yes…including some so-called conservative ones).
As a kid, I heard the normal version of “sticks and stones” whenever I complained about something someone said to me. In other words, my folks would say, “Suck it up buttercup; you can only be offended if you take offense. However, if someone starts using actual sticks or stones — or fists for that matter — on you or anyone else, then by all means kick their ass or at least go down swinging.”
I now see how we have become such a delicate society that, Heaven forbid, someone un-friends you on Facebook; that’s just too harsh. Call the lawyers. Time to sue! Well, women, it looks as if your movement has won. You have cut the balls off every man under the age of 30. I therefore leave this problem to you, the fairer sex: You broke it, you fix it! I need a shot of vitamin S (Sanity)
Real women of America, help us Please!
7 replies on “Sticks and Stones…”
I had never heard of this redefinition. It’s appalling. I had concluded that this old adage was no longer taught, but it makes more sense that Leftists co-opted it instead. The problem is that Leftists equate physical hurt with emotional hurt. The adage is about physical hurt, and the point is that if you are not physically harmed, you can choose how to react. But Leftists want to equate words with physical violence, so that they can justify punching someone in a MAGA hat.
Yes maam, thanks for reading my post.
Great post, though I think it bears acknowledging that it all depends on the severity. Words can hurt in some cases. I would rather get punched a few times than endure years of vicious verbal abuse as can sometimes happen in families. Overall, though, I agree with your post; I don’t want to be misunderstood on that. The left has taken it way too far as usual.
I am under 30 and I definitely knew the answer. Is there something wrong with me?
Glad to hear it Nolan. There have been and will always be a few men that cannot be castrated. So yes the left would say there is something wrong with you, you have not bowed to their will.
Loved your essay!
Words are given much more power than thy should have in today’s society.
Thank you. You are right, but the left keeps changing the definition, so it is a moving target.