The Wisdom of Thumper

"Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent."

(Proverbs 11:12)

In 1942 a precocious little rabbit taught the world that "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Kudos to Thumper (and Thumper's mom, of course!), from the Walt Disney classic film, "BAMBI." Boy, have the times changed.

75+ years later, we live in a society where "putting someone on blast" is a thing. "Throwing shade" is a thing. Social media shaming is a thing. Public ridicule and belittling is a thing. Lord, have mercy...

In some ways, we are making progress, though. Bullying has become highlighted (and strongly opposed) in society. Movies, tv shows, songs, and ad campaigns have served to spotlight this long-practiced (but truly horrible) human endeavor. Often related to sexual identity (but not exclusively, of course), bullying has NO PLACE in society. None whatsoever. So I'm grateful for the progress that's been made here.

But in other areas, we haven't made progress. Especially in the political realm. Smear campaigns (and "mud slinging") among candidates are commonplace. TV news stations regularly resort to intimidation and name calling on air. And nary a day goes by when my Facebook and Twitter feeds don't have at least a handful of heated, venom-filled "belittling" posts/comments/shares. It's enough to turn my stomach. Come on, we're better than this, people!!!

Proverbs 11:12 reminds us, "Whosoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent." So don't lash out. Even if someone angers you or drives you crazy. Don't engage in belittling (no matter how much you've been hurt). If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Amen, Thumper... amen!