Can we officially retire the phrase ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me’?
Words have immeasurable power. People often make the mistake of letting words slip off their tongue without giving them a second thought.
The following words are sadly commonplace, but can stifle personal growth and deplete self-worth. I’ve compiled a list of resources that say better than I could, why these words are destructive.
1. Bitch- This one can have two meanings that are equally unkind to women. One means a callous, aggressive woman. The label is often slapped on to women who assert themselves and demand respect. The second meaning is used by men (or women) when another man (or woman) is displaying behaviors that society often deems feminine. “Don’t be a bitch, it’s not that big of a deal.” Isabel Elliott and Maddie Cramer poetically and powerfully explain the unrighteousness behind this word.
2. Bossy- This word may seem harmless, but it isn’t. According to the “Ban Bossy” movement, girls are less interested in leadership than boys by middle school, which could be because they fear they may be called bossy. If a woman displays assertiveness, drive and strength is she bossy? No, she’s assertive, driven and strong. If you won’t take my word for it, maybe you’ll listen to Beyoncé and Condoleezza Rice.
3. Faggot- I am saddened to even include this word on this list. It should seem obvious that this word should never be used, but we hear it too often. Not only is faggot a repulsive slur, it’s been transformed into an insult to apply to anything you don’t like. See what college students think about the word here.
4. Pussy- a slang word for female reproductive organs ironically is an insult thrown mostly at men. “Don’t be a pussy” can be grouped with “grow a pair” and “man up.” Not only is it wrong that something female is associated with weakness, but this word robs men of some of the things women are welcomed to do, like express emotions. I as a woman feel perfectly comfortable talking about my emotions, weaknesses and fears. Men are often pressured to control and conceal the aforementioned. See how destructive this hyper masculine notion can be here.
Words have the power to destroy, deplete and suppress, but they also have the power to encourage and inspire. Use them mindfully.
"words words words" by Chris Blakeley, used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0