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Sticks and Stones - Page 2


© Patricia C. Behnke
Page 2

Dec 10, 2001


Still the insults continue as I go about my day as a teacher. The slingshots of words continue their banter across the classroom aisles, and I wonder how to stop it all. How do we stop years of learned behaviors where the standard for wit and attention resides on the yardstick of derision and ridicule?

We are a society founded on the tenets of individual freedom yet we have become something else in our struggle to protect the rights of a diverse people. We do not applaud the standard bearers or the trail blazers until they have made lots of cash from their achievement. Then we are ready to join the bandwagon as we erect statues to their heroism. This we do for the ones who can survive their differences. We put on pedestals those who are different only when they have achieved the status which we can appreciate in our little superficial souls.

As I struggle to put a positive light on a tragedy beyond human comprehension, I wonder how I can reach out to change this situation. How can we all finally figure out that words and language and actions have far more power than anything else? They have the power to kill and the power to heal.

Each morning when I rise I ask that I be given the ability that day to say the right things. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't. The conscious effort on the part of us all to recognize and accept the differences of others, and the willingness to praise individuality instead of mocking it can go a long way in the process of changing our attitudes. The sticks and stones of our childhood can then be turned into something constructive from which we can build a structure with a strong foundation, relishing the differences which make us whole.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
2.   Dec 23, 2001 4:52 PM
In response to message posted by colleenmwilliams:

I am a mother of mixed children. I always had a fear of my girls experi ...

-- posted by kluke39mc
1.   Dec 20, 2001 3:58 PM
I agree that sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can wound your heart.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and thanks for all your hard work. I look forward to working with you in the New ...

-- posted by colleenmwilliams



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