Some things are too sensitive to be joked about. To you who often reels out jokes, learn to audit your jokes. Do not shame another with the disguise of a joke. And the thing about shame is, it appears less significant but does the gravest damage. Shame is not embarrassment or guilt. It is far more dangerous than these.
Embarrassment is a sense of feeling uncomfortable, often publicly. Guilt is more like a fear that one has broken a rule. But shame is beyond all these: Shame is feeling bad about yourself. It is a rejection of oneself. It is a feeling of unworthiness.
That you are inadequate. You feel less human. This is scary ’cause at this point where one completely gives up on oneself, one has given up on life. So, depression, drugs, & suicide are the closest thoughts. A joke might create laughter to many but kill another.
Not all jokes are jokes. Let’s be more intentional this year. Words are powerful, control how you use them.
Have an amazing 2022
Mary Musa Dibal, Maiduguri
