If you can't say something nice ...

[maidn]

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me … 

The words of this simple children's line could not be further from the truth

 In this country, we have  recognized the damage that  emotional abuse does to our children waging campaigns against it. We have even started to address emotional abuse and bullying in our schools. . 

However, what about in our day-to-day lives. On the street, on talk shows, or on the job I see countless examples of the bully mentality. 

I personally find it appalling how people will openly put down others in public while others stand around and watch nervously giggling or looking away. I hear words like lazy, fat, and stupid thrown around at will amongst so called adults . It always makes me wonder who these people think they are and who appointed them judge and jury to the world. 

In my experience, people that have made mistakes or have issues in their lives are more than aware of their  problems with out the input of a third party. 

I have also heard people hide behind "honesty" as an excuse for  this type of bad behavior. This annoys me to no end. It is possible to be honest with out being hurtful. The claim that  “I'm just saying it like it is” as if this is some type virtue is nothing but a pathetic excuse for bad manners  

As a populace, we would never allow one person to walk up and punch another in the face. Physical abuse isn't  tolerated in polite society however, there seems to be no problem at all with being emotionally or verbally abusive in public. 

Emotional abuse is damaging. The biggest waist of human potential comes in the form of lack of self-esteem and confidence. It is impossible to face an issue with out the confidence to do so  . Emotional abuse chips away at that confidence bit by bit. 

When a person is down that last thing that they need is for another to rub their nose in it as if they were a puppy who just wet on the carpet. 

As human beings, it is our place to lift up and support those around us… not to tear them down. 

Perhaps the best advice is that of my Grandmother 

"If you don't have anything good to say don't say nothin"

[Dannille33]

Oct. 16, 2009 at 9:26 PM

VERY WELL SAID!!!!

Thanks for posting this !! I couldn't have said it any better, you are so right there is so much judgmental things going on and the world is so full of all this.
As for your grandmother she is correct with her saying..

 

[maidn]

Oct. 16, 2009 at 11:07 PM

Thank you 

(Original Poster)