Words CAN Hurt

As I delve into research for my junior theme, I have begun to uncover some very insightful, powerful and thought provoking materials.  One that has had a lasting impression is a poem called "To This Day".  Shane Koyczan the author of this powerful piece of art wrote this poem "to further explore the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual".   I REALLY encourage you to watch the video below, please take note of the enthusiasm and power he possesses.

 

                                     Koyczan performing "To This Day" at Ted Talks 2013

A recurring theme Koyczan entertains is the contrast between physical and mental pain: 

"surrounded by people who used to say
that rhyme about sticks and stones
as if broken bones                                                                                                                                  hurt more than the names we got called"

From the preceding two lines I believe that "as if" is very important in showing Koyczan’s stance and the great degree these hurtful words harmed him.  Where did the rhyme about sticks and stones come from anyway? I discovered these words derived from "The Christian Recorder of March 1862",  this poem is almost one hundred and fifty years old, wow.  When Koyczan says he was 'surrounded by people' who told him this rhyme we can infer he is talking about authority figures such as parents, grandparents, coaches and teachers.  But is that still the case today?  Of coarse in some aspects it is.  But I strongly believe that authority figures are beginning to change the rhyme too: 

"Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can also (really) hurt you"

The evidence is all around us, even at our own school! In the New Trier manual it is stated under board of education policy 7-25, “As a school district, we are committed to protecting our students from any form of physical or verbal abuse".   The fact that both 'physical' and 'verbal' abuse is stated in the same sentence shows that neither abuse is more sever than the other.  The fact that verbal abuse is prohibited shows that the school believes words do hurt.  Furthermore, Last year the slogan for national anti bullying week was “Stop and think – words can hurt”.  Clearly they are focused on verbal abuse not physical abuse as it say’s "this year’s campaign focuses on tackling verbal bullying, getting rid of derogatory language, words and expressions that are homophobic, racist, and sexist".   Clearly verbal bullying is viewed to be equally as harmful and damaging as physical abuse.  But what indorsed the switch of authority figures being dismissive of verbal abuse in the past too today: authority figures believing that verbal abuse is just as harmful as physical abuse?