“Everyone, calm down. It was merely words.”
I’ve encountered that phrase countless times, particularly in response to a video featuring a candidate for the presidency boasting about kissing women uninvited and “grabbing them by the pussy” because he’s “famous.” They were just words.
That’s true; they were indeed “just words.” But if you think words don’t carry much weight, that perspective diminishes their significance. The reality is that words wield tremendous power. They matter—immensely.
The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” has been used as a defense mechanism against verbal bullying for generations. Yet, scientific research (and the experiences of anyone who has faced bullying) has proven this notion to be false. Verbal bullying—whether from peers or online—can inflict emotional pain that is equivalent to physical abuse. Tragically, this suffering has driven some young individuals to take their own lives in search of relief.
So, what is verbal bullying? Just words.
And it’s not just peers whose words can inflict real harm. A study from Harvard University emphasizes that verbal abuse from parents can be just as damaging as physical or sexual abuse within the household. Yes, you read that right: hurtful words directed at a child can cause emotional and psychological damage comparable to physical harm. In fact, the report suggests that the effects of verbal abuse can be even more severe than witnessing domestic violence or suffering sexual abuse outside the home.
What is verbal abuse? Just words.
Have you ever read a book that shifted your perspective? A book that brought you to tears? One that terrified you? (Thanks, Alex Carter.) A book that shook you to your core? Books have the incredible ability to transport us, evoke deep emotions, help us grasp complex ideas, and even influence our beliefs. What are books? Just words.
Think back to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. It’s one of the most pivotal speeches in American history, inspiring a nation and opening hearts to the cause of racial equality. Many of us can likely quote a part of it: “I have a dream that my children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” What is a speech? Just words.
Now consider the speeches delivered by infamous figures like Adolf Hitler. Despite the horrific actions he committed, if words held no significance, then his influence would be negligible. His powerful oratory instilled national pride while simultaneously fostering fear and prejudice against marginalized groups. He crafted a propaganda machine that manipulated an entire nation into overlooking government-sanctioned atrocities. While he may not have physically killed anyone himself, he orchestrated the Holocaust through the sheer force of his words. Just words.
Words matter. They can heal or harm, uplift or destroy. They can change lives for the better or the worse. Words have the power to break hearts, ignite wars, inspire revolutions, and influence entire populations. They shape our individual realities and the collective fabric of society.
So, don’t tell me words are insignificant. Don’t say that boasting about the ability to sexually assault women doesn’t contribute to a culture of misogyny and objectification. Don’t assert that joking about your inappropriate advances toward a married woman should not impact my assessment of your character. Don’t tell me that a recorded glimpse into your private conversations is merely “just words.”
There is no such thing as “just” words. There are only words—words with meaning, words with power, words that influence, and words that truly matter.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the impact of language and communication, check out this insightful post on verbal influence. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination options, you can find quality kits at Make a Mom. For further information on fertility and related topics, visit Medical News Today.
In summary, words carry weight. They can shape perceptions, influence actions, and even perpetuate harmful ideologies. It’s crucial to recognize their power and the consequences they can have on individuals and society as a whole.
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