Words matter. One only has to follow the second impeachment trial of the 45th President of the United States to know that this is true. As the impeachment managers lay out the case before the United States Senate — of the rhetoric, vitriol and false allegations that the former President had spewed in the months leading up to the November 2020 presidential election, the weeks after the election, and his call for action at the rally on the day of the certification of the election results on January 6th 2021 — one is struck by how his words fuelled an unfathomable distrust of the electoral process and incited a domestic terrorist attack on the United States Capitol. And his silence thereafter condoned and encouraged the continuation of the attack. His disregard for the life of the former Vice President and members of the Senate, and his singular focus on winning the election by whatever means necessary, are frighteningly narcissistic. While tragic, the response to his words is a poignant example of the power of words to evoke strong emotions and seemingly irrational actions.
Words have the power to build or destroy, to heal or to wound, to empower or to discourage. When emanating from the mouths of people in positions of influence, words are even more powerful. For example, in the home, the words spoken by parents to children can make or break them. Speaking encouraging words and commending children’s efforts are likely to lead to confident children with good self-esteem. Whereas, ridiculing or constantly criticising children can lead to timidity or even hostility. Most children want to feel loved, safe, and a sense of belonging. Parents can satisfy this need for affirmation through their use of positive words.
In school, the words used by teachers in engaging with children also make a world of difference. It is said that teaching is the mother of all professions as the very existence of other professions depends on being taught. As such, teachers build nations. With this level of influence, it is critical to the wellbeing of every country that teachers use their influence wisely. Teachers should encourage creativity, out of the box thinking, collaboration and new methods of completing tasks. After all, they are moulding future leaders. However, if the words spoken demonstrate that there could only be one answer, one way, and anything else is deemed unworthy of consideration, or results in being penalised, then we are not building independent thinkers, we are building robots. Similarly, teachers should demonstrate through their words that they care about the wellbeing of their students — even the most disruptive ones. For many children, school is a safe haven. Teachers often have to step into the gap where parents have fallen short. If children live with discouragement and negativity at home, imagine the cumulative effect if they faced the same at school. On the other hand, imagine the possibilities if their teachers’ words reinforced their value and built their confidence.
At a national level, the words of our leaders in public fora, in the media, or in the House of Assembly, matter. Their words can create more political division or be a rallying cry for unity. They can use their position to inform or to misinform. They can instil a sense of calm or they can cause panic. They can model good behaviour or they can be vessels of disrespect. What they cannot do is escape responsibility for the impact of their words on the behaviour/actions of the general population. Leaders set the tone for the country. High levels of antagonism among leaders are likely to lead to high levels of conflict in the community. It is advisable that they are responsible in their choice of words and be cognizant that the society is likely to mirror their example.
Even in our everyday actions with one another, we should be careful with our words. Rather than be quick to criticise, get angry or be hurtful, we should make an effort to demonstrate kindness, understanding and empathy in our dealings with others. We never know, but our words can be just what someone needed to hear to lift his or her spirit. Let’s use our words to build each other up. We have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.
