Words Matter
We used to have soap operas on TV each day where talented writers put characters in outlandish and dramatic situations for our entertainment. We would smirk when a character suddenly reappeared with a “head transplant”, and we would smugly make fun of those who cared for these characters and got wrapped up in these stories.
Today we have reality TV, where we put real people in combustible situations and watch the fireworks “for our entertainment.” But I’ve often had a hard time finding entertainment here, as I can’t stop thinking that these are REAL people in these “reality” shows. When someone is humiliated by the celebrity chef or screamed at as their worst secrets are revealed to the world, I see lives shattered and dreams dashed, the lives of REAL people. This is too close to the lives lost in the Roman Coliseum for my taste.
This is why MY preferred reality TV show is “The Great British Baking Show.” The situations are not life-threatening, but they are dramatic. A contestant will quip “I can’t believe I’m crying over a soufflé” but I’m at home on the edge of my seat with tears in MY eyes. They care, and I care, but I also know I’m just watching someone do something they love and wanting to do it well. On THIS reality show, I want them to succeed, as do their fellow competitors, and the judges’ comments, though sometimes a dose of reality, are not meant to wound but to explain. As an aspiring baker, I know that things don’t always go well (like in life), but I can understand, and learn, and move forward to bake again (and better) another day.
We have tribes in our culture around sports teams, and though we get sucked into the drama, we know that it’s “just a game.” It means a LOT to many fans, but we also understand that we get to try again another day. Sports fans in other countries marvel that thousands of fans from both sides can meet in the US for “friendly competition,” and this is something to be proud of.
As educators, we have a responsibility to think before we speak. Our words have impact and students are listening.
The world is full of stories of a few words changing a life. The young girl who loves to sing and is belting out a tune one day when her exhausted mother says “You sound terrible, please be quiet”….and the girl never sings again. Also, the young girl who is struggling to learn a new skill with her flag and the instructor quietly encourages her. “I remember how hard it was for me to learn this, but I stuck with it and now look what I can do. You can do this too, so hang in there!” This girl goes on to perform at the highest level in Dayton and takes this ability to express and share joy into her entire life.
What words are you saying? How are you interacting with YOUR students? Your words have great power.
We must treat each other with kindness and know that our words have impact. We need to have grace as we watch each other move through our season, and have empathy as we imagine “I wonder what it took for them to get here to do this show today?” Please watch this wonderful conversation with Shirley Dorritie for some concepts that will really help you right now.
As we move through the world interacting with our fellow citizens, we should know that we ALL struggle, especially now, and we need to speak with kindness and thoughtfulness. If our leaders will not do and say the right things, we must lead the way. One life, one kind gesture, one person moving through the world in this way DOES make a difference. Let it begin with me.
Tim Hinton
January 7, 2021
