This article was insightful and rare in a world that highlights freedom of expression but no responsibility for how the content is delivered. The actual message composes less than 50% of my efforts, the greater focus being on how to craft it so it will be received and understood as I intended. That is the hard part, stepping outside my need to instruct.

Yes, I recall those words that built me up; I use and treasure them. Sadly (and unfortunately), unkind words and slights still wound me decades later.

Words are powerful instruments that can heal or destroy. Handle with care.

It's also important to teach our children to take what is said in context. So much time is spent twisting what people say into something offensive when no malice was intended. There is such a thing as good-natured teasing. Each day I see ourselves losing the ability to find humor in life. As Jimmy Buffett said, "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane."

Sticks and stones are hard on bones,
Aimed with angry art.
Words can sting like anything,
But silence breaks the heart!

Genius and I think missing from the current philosphy or at least not empathized or reinforced or said as eloquently near enough to sink in. This summary is a soul-ution.

Instead of minimizing the importance of words, we should encourage parents and teachers to demand a higher level of respect and greater sensitivity precisely because words can be so powerful.

Sadly, children have committed suicide after enduring months or years of being taunted and bullied in school. The teachers and other school employees do nothing to stop it, which is how this continues. After being told there is nothing the school can do, some parents have taken the initiative and moved to another school district so their child will no longer be forced to attend school in an unsafe environment. I have no understanding of adults who make no effort to protect children who are in their care.

The import of words, or more correctly in the context that struck me here, things said about people with the intention to hurt can be just as damaging as physical violence. There was news that the person who had created all the fuss over Miss California answering a question honestly, but against the questioner's position, had been hit in the face by someone else he made negative statements about. In the aftermath, media (ergo society's) consensus seemed to be that words -- even very damaging words -- are acceptable as free speech, but physical violence crosses the line. I am not in any way endorsing physical violence, but it seems to me that words, or negative talk about someone, can be just as violent emotionally or psychologically, and we as a society may be better if we appreciate that.

It is sad that children take their lives to end taunts. I wonder if that is good or bad? Because if they did not die young, they would suffer all their lives. I am speaking from experience. I was flat-chested, tall and skinny, so it's needless to spell out what I went through. I managed to stay alive, but I wish I had died. As an adult, I moved to Canada. I now face another problem: I speak with an accent. I am still paying for it. I was made fun of until I was afraid to speak. It affected my life. I am now 65 years old and still scrambling. I worked hard but could never be promoted because of my accent.
I am suffering from low self-esteem even though I try to rise above the put-downs. I can't.

A very enlightening commentary. We, as a society and community, need to set a higher standard with respect to the way we speak and communicate. Words can be very damaging and can affect a person's self-esteem. Positive words of encouragement serve to build self-esteem. Our acceptance and tolerance of insults, trash-talking, swearing, derogatory words, and ignorant comments will only result in a generation further characterized by low self-esteem. This poor self-esteem will manifest itself in substance abuse, crime, and inappropriate and unproductive behaviors.

The power of words cannot be underestimated.

One need only study the history of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Charles Manson, Jim Jones, et al to understand the full power of words. If words can sway whole nations, why do people still insist that individuals - especially young minds - should not be affected? Why would coaches waste their time on inspirational pre-game pep talks? Why do Presidential candidates work so hard on motivational speeches? Isn't it time we understood that if words can build you up, they can also tear you apart?