I grew up hearing the childhood phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Today I found out how untrue that saying is.
As I was walking from my Anatomy class, I heard somebody say "Man, that Calculus test totally raped me. I completely failed." Instead of going to my English class, I hid in the bathroom and cried. As a victim of rape, the nonchalant use of the word is always something that affects me deeply. I've never understood how somebody can use such powerful words in everyday situations. I've also heard people use the words "gay," "retarded," and "faggot" in everyday situations that do not call for those words in any sort of way. I don't understand why those words have to be used. Out of the million words in the English language, are those absolutely necessary? No. Say something else. People might not realize it, but words can have a huge impact on somebody. I think that chant needs to be rewritten. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will break my heart."
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Yes, I totally understand what you mean. There are tons and tons of people, generally teenagers, whom have a very narrow vocabulary. All i hear is "F*** this and da*n that." People are now found using very explicite vocabulary just explain something. People do need to watch what they say. The other day I heard about a child in a private pre-school getting expelled for telling the teacher to....well you know the rest. And I am sure this 4-year-old had no idea what he was talking about; he probably picked it up from an older kid, a brother, or a friend. What ever happened to less severe words, such as i "flunked" that test, instead of like MomeFromage said they hear others say.
Sincerely, Kelly Denise Mathis