Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones…

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Do you remember running to your mom or dad when you were little complaining that someone was calling you mean names? Did your parents suggest you respond to the offender by saying,
Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!!! 
When I was told to say this, I remember that after I said it, I didn’t feel any better. The mean comments hurt. They hurt inside. Emotionally. Name calling and even sarcasm hurt us sometimes more deeply than physical sticks and stones.
It has been my life long challenge to think before I speak. I try to respond to questions or discussions with respect and honesty.  I keep sarcasm locked up unless it’s lightheartedly appropriate and not hurtful.
Have I mastered this challenge?
No.
I am always working on it.

 

Sarcasm is an indirect form of speech intentionally used to produce a particular dramatic effect on the listener.  Sarcasm can be used in all kinds of ways — it can express everything from anger to humor and is an example of what someone says being different from what they really mean. 
In my book, I share several personal stories about sarcasm and disrespect. I witnessed it At a young age and I knew it was demeaning and hurtful.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe sarcasm has it’s place and can be used to create a smile or further thought, but when it’s used intentionally or even unintentionally to ridicule another so the person using the sarcasm will be elevated, I see insecurity, pride and arrogance.  I noticed as an example, while watching the recent Vice Presidential debate the abundance of visual sarcasm. Not once, not twice, but too many times to count. It’s unbecoming of a Vice presidential leader in my opinion. No matter the party affiliation.

I am guilty of sarcasm myself. Like when I hear a car in the distance pass by with OBNOXIOUS blaring music, I will often sarcastically say out loud, “Hey why don’t you turn that up a little more because I can’t hear it.”
The person driving obviously doesn’t hear me, so I guess there is no harm in saying it to myself. I would see harm if I chose to say to the persons face, “Hey Mr. wanna be Rock-star, as for the loud and annoying music, why don’t you turn it up so the rest of us can hear how even more annoying it is.” There are more hate filled words containing blatant name calling and sarcasm. I would probably get punched if I said that to the persons face.
To keep sarcasm in check I usually remind myself of the Golden Rule. That being, Do and say unto others as you would have them do and say unto you. And if i am not sure, i Just keep my mouth shut. It’s usually a win win.

 

 

Book News!

Still waiting for the Kindle conversion for my book through Createspace.
A new giveaway will be available soon where you can win a paperback copy of my memoir. Just in time for Christmas.
Below I read chapter 11 to you. Enjoy.

 

Chapter 11 – Joy in the House