“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
2015 was a year of words. Somehow, in 2015, this familiar phrase, once told to children to encourage resiliency, lost its meaning. The once toughened outer skins of people were weakened, which allowed for an onslaught of personal offenses to take place. No longer could people voice their opinions without creating a backlash equivalent to World War III. The world saw the effect words could have on a situation, whether relating to simple matters in the heart or at home or spreading beyond borders into the international arena. This understanding was exploited and transformed into the new weapon of mass destruction.
2015 brought a sense of self-importance by encouraging all to have his or her own independent beliefs. People’s inflated ideas of superiority began to instill the idea in their minds that only their way of living was the correct way, and if you say something to offend their beliefs, you are an evil human being. Anything you say may be used against you, so be wary of the words you choose to say to others.
The United States of America used to pride itself on the First Amendment Right protecting the Freedom of Speech, however, this dwindling of strength in people has instilled the notion that Freedom of Speech is nothing more than a utopian ideal.
In 2015, bullying grew exponentially. No longer did it take armies or invaders to tear apart a nation, but the simple realization of the new power of words changed the scheme of things. Muslim extremists used bullying methods to put an end to the “offensive” words used against them by the Charlie Hedbo newspaper company. Political leaders began to bully by using the power of words to implant their propaganda in the minds of the unsuspecting voters. The media capitalized on people’s newfound sensitivity and created a multi-million dollar business by distorting words to placate the easily offended personalities of readers.
People challenged ordinary words such as male and female and demanded to be addressed by using words beyond their traditional meanings. No longer were the regular words enough to satisfy the self-interested rule-benders. Words revealed the truth about Planned Parenthood, but lies were used to cover it up to avoid scandal.
As shootings and refugee situations occurred across the continents, words were used in the form of prayer to unite communities and help all realize we are all doing our best to survive in this crazy, mixed-up world. No matter how many times people were told to refrain from praying, every time a major problem rose up, words of prayer were the first utterances after the silence.
By saying goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016, the entire world anxiously waits to see what the future will hold, and I invite everyone to strengthen their outer shells against the hurtful words that I guarantee will be said, and from your tongue speak only words that will inspire a generation.
