SPOTLIGHT: ISSUE
WORDS HURT
December 2016
Tackling Common Phrases and Their Real Meanings
BY ELLIE CANDELARIA
In high school, jokes are thrown around like
nobody’s business. Angsty teens use jokes as a
way to show off to their peers or find their way in
the confusing world of high school. Often times,
the phrases are meant to be used as jokes, but
some of them are no laughing matter and need
to be shut down immediately. The following
phrases are commonly used and are perfect
examples of words that can hurt someone.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but
words will never hurt me” is a popular phrase
that children are taught. This phrase is meant as
a way to encourage people to move on f rom
mean words, but words truly can hurt someone.
Though it may not be obvious, someone that
overhears the phrase “kill yourself ” could be
waiting for a sign to actually commit suicide.
Once the words leave the speaker’s mouth, there
is no knowing who will hear them. Imagine the
guilt that would have to be lived with if the
phrase was used and the person who heard it
acted on it. It’s not worth the risk.
“Kill yourself ”
According the the American Foundation for
Suicide Awareness, approximately 42,733
Americans die each year from suicide. This
number amounts to about an average of 117
suicides per day, making it the tenth leading
cause of death in the United States. There are
many reasons why people commit suicide and it
is a big problem in our world.
According to California’s penal code 401, every
person who deliberately aids, advises, or
encourages someone to commit suicide is guilty
of a felony. Though this code is meant for
extreme situations, it is the perfect example of
how serious these words really are.
WHAT DOES OLU THINK ABOUT THE PHRASE “KILL YOURSELF”?
Eleena Abdishoo
Sam Garson
Senior
Junior
“I’ve been a little desensitized from it
because it’s been said so much. That’s sad
when you think about it because it has some
deep meaning. ”
“It is inappropriate and disrespectful to tell
people to do such a thing, even in a joking
manner. ”
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