The Power of Words

1. The Power of Words What is your reaction to the image? The image illustrates that hurtful words have power, but so do kind words. Recall a time someone’s kind 2011. Photograph. Child Mode. Web. 29 Nov 2011. <http://www.childmode.com/2011/10/11/your-words-have- power-so-be-sure-to-use-them-wisely/>. words made a positive impact on you. Describe that memory. In what ways can you create a positive memory for someone else?

2. The Power of Words This image is a graphic representation of betrayal, of hurtful words. Words are a powerful tool and can be used both to promote good and do harm. Reflect on the power of your own words as you respond to the prompt provided below. Prompt : Recall a time you used words as a weapon, a time you wish you could have taken words back. If you could relive that moment, what would you say instead? What can you do in general to manage your words so that they lift people rather than harm them? Why You Have to Be so Mean?. 2011. Photograph. Sparkling Stars Magazine. Web. 29 Nov 2011. <http://www.sparklingstars.net/2011/03/01/why-you-have- to-be-so-mean/>.

3. Verbal Bullying The image on the Words Can Kill poster is very basic: some white, some red, some words. However, the image is disturbing, a chilling reminder that verbal bullying can have devastating effects. In Cher’s song, If I Could Turn Back Time, she sings, “Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes.” We know this; we have all felt the sting of hurtful words. But we are in control of our words. No one makes us put someone else down; no one makes us ignore another. We choose. Think about a situation that typically leads to angry or hurtful words from you. Write about how you could change your attitude to help change your words. What promise can you make to yourself to help you make better choices? M&C Saatchi . Wrist. 2009. Infographic. Coloribus:CreativeAdvertising Archive, UK. Web. 29 Nov 2011. <http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints/beat-bullying-message-wrist-13097405/>.

4. Sticks and Stones Have you ever heard the children’s rhyme “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me”? Children sometimes use it in response to bullying or hurtful teasing. It is a defense mechanism. However, the rhyme is not a true defense against painful words cast in ridicule or resentment. The fact is words are often more hurtful than sticks or stones. While we cannot control the way that others behave, we have complete control over ourselves and our words. How do you use your words? As a weapon? As a healing balm? The power of your words rests in your choice of how to use them—what do you choose? http://www.chansondelange.com/tag/tyler-clementi/

5. How will you use your words? Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. --Martin Luther King, Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches http://www.sharonmayers.com/ Words have power. Subsequently, our words give us power. Through our words we exercise our choice… what will you exercise? Will your words heal? Help? Comfort? Will your words harm? Hurt? You have the choice…what will you do?

6. Your Words, Your Choice http://www.childmode.com/2011/10/11/your-words-have-ower-so-be-sure-to-use-them-wisely/. What do you choose?

7. Read the words covering the victim of bullying. See anything you’ve seen in a friend? In yourself? What can you do to be part of a positive movement to make sure no one else is smothered by the affects of bullying? http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_16sVQKORhdA/TQKaQv0pkLI/AAAAAAAAAa8/bf2mL5WZ57w/s1600/bullying_signs.jpg

8. What words will you give to the world?

9. How can you help? What specifically can you change to demonstrate kindness and compassion with your words?

10. When was the last time you “punched” someone with your words—either intentionally or unintentionally? What have you done toward healing the wound you created? What can you do in the future to avoid such wounds? Words that Wound