“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”
Those were the words I saw in the ever so famous Bambi, said by the adorable bunny Thumper. I have heard these words from my parents, grandparents, and time and time again told by teachers to students in the classes I was in all throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Now, as a 21-year-old, I no longer receive these little reminders, nor does the rest of the 18+ years old population. Therefore, I think it is important that we learn to remind ourselves of this simple but powerful message.
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all,” has changed a bit since I was in grade school. Meaning, this statement now extends farther than what people say to each other. It extends to social media, texting/messaging, etc.
First off what does “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all,” really mean?
It means that saying negative, derogatory, rude, or just plain mean things should be avoided for the mere fact that it will NOT do anything to better your life OR anyone else’s life. It only makes you feel remorse, makes the person you told it to start thinking unnecessarily negative thoughts, and it makes the person who is being talked about (if they find out) feel sad and negative about themselves.
I know none of these feelings are feelings I want to provoke!
It’s the simple comments like “Man! Has she gained weight,” “Why would she ever get a stupid tattoo like that?” “I get so annoyed by his voice,” “What the heck is that girl wearing?” Etc.
These comments seem to be a causality that slips from too many of our mouths each and every day.
Now, more common than hearing mean things by word of mouth is reading them via text messages/messaging, or watching them on Snapchat, Facebook, twitter, or other social media outlets.
I cannot tell you how many snaps I open that are sent in order to make fun of some random person that the person snapping does not even know. That being said, it’s unnecessary to share because it is focusing only on the negative aspects of other people.
Another thing that seems to be a much too frequent occurrence is the posting of “funny” videos on Facebook. I admit I LOVE watching funny animal Facebook videos or reading hilarious memes, but when we post videos that make fun of others; we take this “funny” video idea a step too far. It is a step in a negative direction and a direction that does not intend to better anyone’s lives.
In the society that we live in today, it is important for each of us to lift people up rather than tear them down. We will not get farther in life by throwing others under the bus or by laughing at them. We must help to notice the positive and thrive off of the good in others instead.
After all, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all,” really holds true. If you’re going to hurt the feelings of another person by posting, texting, or saying something, then please just don’t do it!
I challenge myself and every other person I know to think before saying, texting, snapping, or posting anything mean. Let’s make this wonderful place we live in just a little bit more positive and brighter!
