Things We Give Less Meaning to: The Impact of Our Words
Sep 24, 2023
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Margaret Oyigeya
Nigeria
Jun 14
Joined Sep 19, 2023
This is a True Life Story: An Unforgettable Father-Son Encounter, Reminding Us of the Power of Words."
Amidst the serious backdrop of a rainy day in the bustling marketplace, I found myself seeking shelter at a crowded point of sale (POS) stand. Under the makeshift canopy, an unsettling scene unfolded before me, forever etching its memory in my mind.
Inside the stand, the POS attendant was accompanied by a little boy, not her own but under her care. I recognized the child as someone I had seen with his mother, who happened to be the owner of the POS stand.
The atmosphere was filled with the noise of raindrops, shoppers hastily seeking refuge, and the muted disquiet between the POS attendant and the young boy.
As I stood there, chilled to the bone with my damped cloth, a middle-aged man approached the POS stand, demanding his money. The attendant politely explained the lack of cash and assured him that she would make a transfer to his account, and then he sat down.
It was then that I realized he was the father of the boy, though their relationship appeared strained. The boy, a mere three or four years old, remained engrossed in sipping his drink, seemingly disinterested in his father's presence.
And then, an incident unfolded that sent shockwaves through me. The father, his voice dripping with arrogance and insensitivity, uttered a sentence that felt like a painful blow to my heart. He said, "I am the one that ducks your mother to bring you to this world." (In his native language)
To my astonishment, the surrounding onlookers, including a girl of about 10 or 11 standing behind me, burst into laughter.
My inner voice questioned the appropriateness of those words, and I couldn't help but wonder about the lasting impact they would have on the innocent child.
As I witnessed this disheartening scene, I couldn't shake the thought of the profound influence such words could have on a child's emotional well-being. It was evident that these words might become an indelible part of the child's memory, potentially shaping his self-esteem and perception of the world.
Amid this distressing moment, I wrestled with my silence. Why hadn't I spoken up against those hurtful words? I questioned my hesitation and regretted not offering a word of advice or comfort to the child. I had convinced myself that my words wouldn't make a difference, but deep down, I knew I should have said something.
In today's world, children are increasingly inquisitive, absorbing information from their surroundings like sponges. They eagerly seek to understand the meaning of the things they see and hear. The words we expose them to, especially those laden with inappropriate content, can shape their perception of the world, including sensitive topics like relationships and sexuality. The impact of such words can reverberate through a child's life, influencing their future attitudes and behaviors.
Furthermore, the immediate effect on the environment is undeniable. Laughter and approval from onlookers at the POS stand demonstrated a dangerous normalization of such hurtful language. This normalization perpetuates a cycle of insensitivity and cruelty, ultimately eroding the empathy and kindness that should bind our communities.
By choosing our words wisely and advocating for respectful communication, we not only protect the emotional well-being of our children but also contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society. It's a responsibility we all share, and it begins with the awareness that our words hold immense power, capable of shaping the future of the next generation.
Hence, as I walked away from that crowded POS stand, the rain still pouring but with newfound insight weighing on my heart, I made a personal commitment. I vowed to be more mindful of the words I choose when interacting with children. It was a small but significant step toward nurturing an environment where every child can thrive, protected from the harm that hurtful words can inflict.