No Name-Calling — Do The Thing

Calling someone fake doesn’t make you real.
Calling someone dumb doesn’t make you smart.
Calling someone fat doesn’t make you skinny.
-Unknown

This week is No Name-Calling Week. Founded in 2004, No Name-Calling Week was inspired by James Howe’s novel The Misfits about students who, after experiencing name-calling, run for student council on a No Name-Calling platform.

Why do people use slurs and stereotypes? In my experience, it is to make them feel better about themselves. However, as the quote above reminds us, putting someone else down does not make you better. On the contrary, it is as hurtful to you as it is to the other person.

As with everything else in life, awareness is the first step. Over the next few days, observe how you talk about others- both externally and internally. Notice what situations prompt you to pass judgment on others. Journal or notate these things to see if you can identify a pattern.

Once you recognize this, take a step deeper and see what kinds of things you say about yourself. Observe any connections between how you judge yourself and others. This may help you create a more kind approach to others.