One of the biggest lies many children are told at a young age is that ‘sticks and stones may break their bones but words can never hurt them’. However, the remarks people make can turn into the most destructive weapons.
Children are told to ignore the negative comments others make because it does not matter and can not bring them any harm. Thus, a belief is formed that the words they say have no significance either. This mindset may create comfortability in a destructive practice known as gossip.
According to dictionary.com, the definition of gossip is casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. Once someone plants the seed, it becomes more and more difficult to stop it from growing. Embellishments are added, excitement grows, feelings are hurt and the story grows farther away from the truth.
For being such a harmful activity, hearsay tends to be a regular part of everyday life. Juicy stories are told to make life seem more interesting, which is why gossip is one of entertainments most utilized devices. Shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians or The Bachelor thrive because viewers are amused watching these reality stars endure large amounts of drama, usually caused by rumors or scandals.
People love gossip. It’s the biggest thing that keeps the entertainment industry going. –Ellen DeGeneres
Famous talk show host Ellen DeGeneres said, “People love gossip. It’s the biggest thing that keeps the entertainment industry going.” This has become a sad yet real truth. Many people are captivated by hearing flashy and evolved stories about celebrities lives.
This common and popular form of pleasure has the ability to persuade many children and young adults to believe that this behavior is acceptable. They see celebrities treat each other poorly, however, they also see them being praised for it. It is rare that people hear about the good things celebrities do for one another.
With gossip playing a significant role in many people’s lives, it is not easy to rid of in one day. One thing required to diminish the power of gossip is to keep a mindset to love. To love a neighbor is to want the best for them and to be concerned about their well-being. Gossiping not only hurts the feelings of the victim, it takes a blow at how they perceive themselves. Valentine’s Day is coming up, which is a perfect opportunity to practice loving one another.
King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 26:20, “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” If someone decides to stop the chain of people participating, they minimize the damage left behind. It does not mean that the gossip will cease entirely, but a positive example will be set and hopefully followed by others.
A single person has the power to help reduce the damage if the slander stops at them. Everyone has the choice to walk away from gossip when it begins, they just have to choose to love their neighbor. Although it is not an easy concept, it is not impossible.
This writer can be reached via Twitter: @thefeather or via email.
For more editorials, read EDITORIAL: Self-value comes from within.
