That was a phrase often uttered by schoolchildren in days of yore. I remember it from the 1950s to 1970s, but dates back to 1857 in the U.K.
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But many of today’s “adults” are not nearly as level-headed and mentally tough as were yesterday’s youth.
Generalized prosperity has played a big role in the increasing fragility of the populace, and its subsequent entitlement mentality. As has “helicopter parenting.”
But arguably the biggest contributor to this depressing phenomenon is higher education, i.e., colleges and universities. Someone disagreed with me! Safe spaces anyone? Warm milk, cookies, and playful puppies? Oh my God, I need a therapist!
If someone, say, hits you in the head with a baseball bat, the harm done is very, very real. At minimum, you will feel pain. A high level of distinct and lingering physical pain. You may even suffer headaches, broken bones, brain damage, lapse into a coma, or even die.
On the other hand, if someone calls you a bad name, such as “wop,” “bastard,” asshat, bigot, racist, Nazi, ass***, or “Jew lover,” there is no physical damage or pain and you get to decide whether to be offended or hurt.
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In that sense, any hurt must necessarily be self-inflicted.
Personally, I would never let anyone have that power over me. But there are many who jump at the chance to be offended, to be hurt. This allows them to play the victim card while simultaneously turning around and verbally assaulting the other party, their alleged “assailant.” Truth be told, these are the folks who typically throw terms like bigot, racist, Jew-lover, or Nazi around. Also “deplorables,” “clingers,” etc., etc., etc.
A neat, if repulsive, trick, eh?
How to handle these situations? Point out their neediness, vanity, entitlement mentality, and hypocrisy. Then laugh at them … and move on.
Because the truth of the matter is that sticks and stones — and baseball bats — can break one’s bones, but words should never be allowed to hurt you.
Words, properly employed, can educate, illuminate, inspire … and even change opinions and minds. But they should never be considered “violence,” no matter how inconsiderate, inaccurate, or vile.
Because if they are, it necessarily follows that free speech is curtailed or eradicated. And when free speech is abridged, all other freedoms and liberties will be, as well. Without exception.
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