The Power Of Words

Hey everyone. I have noticed lately that the whole Black Lives Matter debate is slowly fading out and I would like to remind you that our job is not done. If we really cared about what’s happening to these people we wouldn’t stay quiet just because there are fewer people talking. I’m not sure if this is the case everywhere but I have certainly been hearing less and less about it. This is just a friendly reminder that injustice doesn’t cease after a couple months of protests.

Although that’s important, today’s post is not just about Racism but about all sorts of discrimination and how you can stand up to it. I know in such a big world it is easy to feel like you couldn’t possibly change anything, but you would be surprised at how much a few words can do.

I like to think that words are magical. Like magic when used appropriately words can be wondrous, but when used carelessly they can cause great harm. Never doubt the impact of your words.

A few words can break a person. A few words can start a war. A few words can heal a heart. A few words can spark a revolution. A few words can change the world. Never doubt the impact of your words.

I’m not just talking about what you say, but also about what you don’t. I’m talking about when you see someone else upset or alone… Maybe your witnessing bullying, racism or sexism, whatever it is if you choose to say nothing you have made an impact. Whether you like it or not. Ignoring someone who needs help or turning a blind eye to what happens in our world all has its impact.

I’m not telling anyone to start campaigning, maybe that’s not your thing, but you can talk to others about it. You can post on whatever platforms you have, you can donate money to a charity or sign a petition. You can go sit with the lonely kid at lunch. Please don’t underestimate what you can do. The power of your words is unimaginable. A smile could make someone’s day as much as a turn in the other direction could ruin it. Everybody has a choice.

I would like to go back to go the subject of staying quiet, because fewer people are talking. The way the media work is that they take a certain topic and amplify it to make a massive movement but as soon as it disappears from our screens we all seem to forget it ever happened. Do you remember the Me Too movement? Do you hear about that anymore? That’s because it’s no longer “in”. It’s no longer on the news. Your favourite celebrities stopped posting about it, so we all lost interest. There are definitely people who this doesn’t apply to. But I do think that for the majority of people that this is relatable. I’m definitely not innocent on this front either. I didn’t pay much attention to inequality and discrimination before BLM. But I definitely knew it was out there. I know a lot of people would probably relate to that, so please don’t go backwards. The battle is far from over.

“I may be a slow walker, but I never walk back.”

Abraham Lincoln

Thank you for reading this post. I hope it helped you. I know that this is something that needs to be talked about. I really do believe that every voice counts for something. Even if you just have a conversation about it. Everything helps. A group of charities and a couple hundred people may seem like a lot but really its not. There is power in numbers. Never doubt the impact you could have. I hope you think about what I’ve said. Have an amazing day!

Credit to : Jess Bailey @unsplash images