“Sticks and Stones”
|
Posted By: How May I Help You NC on March 29, 2016 I grew up with the nursery rhyme that said, “Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” That is a simple phrase, and I am sure it had some value for me as a child. However, as I grew and matured, I came to the conclusion that the phrase is fundamentally flawed. Words are extremely powerful and they have the ability to hurt, maim and destroy. Words have been used to ruin reputations. Words have been uttered that have destroyed self-confidence. Words have been spoken that demonized whole segments of humanity. Words have been used to justify slavery. Words have led to inhumane treatment of women. Words have supported racial, ethnic and religious genocide. Words can hurt! That is why I am concerned about the tone of the current political campaigns. Politics have often been a rather nasty business. American history reveals that politicians, cartoonists, journalists and cronies of every description have often used less than noble methods and tactics to achieve the goal of winning without regard for the collateral damage that might have occurred. George Wallace’s statement “segregation now and segregation forever,” as he stood defiantly at the doorway to the University of Alabama, helped his political career even as it undoubtedly caused a lot of harm to the Black citizens of the state. Despite the record of the past, the incendiary nature of the current conversation does not bode well for the unity of our country. As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe that free speech is absolutely necessary for a democratic system. I am able to preach a liberating Gospel because of it, and I will defend the right of others to speak freely even when I disagree with them. However, hate speech, speech that questions the humanity and worth of whole categories of people is not appropriate. Neither is speech that supports or encourages people to physically attack people who hold opinions that are different from the ones held by one’s supporters. This political season has been very different from recent campaigns. I hope that the confrontations in St. Louis and Chicago do not become the norm for this presidential campaign. That would be most unfortunate. It would also be further proof of the error inherent in believing, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” (An Editorial by Edward L. Wheeler, President Interdenominational Theological Center) Source: http://www.itc.edu/ If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
How May I Help You NC
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
The hidden risks of using Google’s Blogger platform
After reviewing a detailed Site Checker report, I discovered that many of my blog’s URLs were taking far too long to load. As a result, readers abandoned the pages before they even opened. This wasn ...more
Joel Savage • 47 Views • February 16th, 2026 |
 |
FREE Valentine's Day E-Cards Available! ♥️Happy Valentine's Day! ♥️
♥️ Free Valentine's Day E-Cards Link: https://www.pinterest.com/shykerialifleur/valentines-day-greetings
♥️ What to Write In Va ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 134 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
BLACK OWNED BEAUTY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION (BOBSA) AND JUNIQUES AD SERVICE CREATES DFY 30 SEC DISTRIBUTION SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT
Juniques Ad Service, a proud Juniques Company, is excited to share a powerful new collaboration with the Black Owned Beauty Supply Organization. Through this collaboration, members and s ...more
rickey johnson • 111 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
MEDIA ALERT! USA -Call for Submissions- Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with PowerMEDIA ALERT! USA
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor with Power is currently under development by the visionary team of Gumbo for the Soul International®.
This a ...more
Beverly Johnson • 111 Views • February 10th, 2026 |
 |
Keeping the Faith!!!! 10 Videos, MindMap, CheetSheet, and so much more to discuss FAITH!!!!https://learners.juniquesadservice.com/courses/offers/21e32619-5774-44e2-93d9-a3df7d93a778
Welcome to the course for You!!! Keep The Faith
Video 0- Introduction
Video 1 Why Faith is So Import ...more
rickey johnson • 300 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,796,586 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,231 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 75,072 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,514 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
