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The problem with a "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" mantra is that it has the unfortunate side-effect of granting permission to say anything as hurtful/hateful to anyone one wants to with no repercussion or remorse ("Hey, get over it. Sticks and stones and all that").
Then of course there's the fact that it's complete and utter twaddle. Words can hurt far more deeply, and for far, far longer, than that any physical injury. Everyone has always known this.
No. The onus to keep the peace in a verbal transaction needs to rest on all participants equally. "Sticks and stones" gives jackholes a free pass they're neither entitled to, nor deserve, in that regard.
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