Sticks, Stones and Words

      The common phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” is supposed to inspire confidence. I like to believe that this is, pardon my French, a load of crap. If someone throws sticks and stones at you, the wounds will heal but being insulted can stick in the back of your mind for the rest of your life.

            Two examples of common phrases that are worse than sticks and stones are “That’s retarded” and “That is so gay.”

            I will start with “That is so gay.” “Gay” in this case is supposed to be synonymous with “stupid.” One, homosexuals do not walk around saying “That is so straight,” because it would offend people. So how do you think homosexuals feel when “that is so gay” is used? I know, it is used so often to the point that no one really recognizes what he or she is saying, but it is still offensive. What is wrong with the world stupid? If you mean stupid, say stupid.

            And then there is the darling phrase: “That is retarded.” I will give you a scenario for this one. At my place of employment, we were a little hectic in getting ready for the season, which started last week. So, this boy I know had to write the menu for the concession stand by himself. He doesn’t have the best handwriting, but at least he tried. He was told to find someone else to rewrite the sign and he did. Even though the sign has been changed for over a week, his boss decided to still harp on the subject and told the boy that he, and this is a direct quote, “writes like a retard.” Now, the thing that his boss doesn’t know is that the boy has a learning disability that he doesn’t promote about himself, where he has trouble with motor skills, which includes handwriting. The boy didn’t tell his boss the truth and he isn’t one to start trouble, but you can sure as hell believe that his family is very offended. Do not use the word “retard.” You don’t know what people have or what they have gone through. You don’t know who that word would offend. There is not a certain look that a person with special needs has. And even if there was, why would you insult someone like that for having a different way of learning that doesn’t fit the mainstream?

            The moral of the story is think before you talk. Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words are something that hurt even more.