When my professor, the late William Harvey, African History class, Oakwood University, responded to my query, “How do you define barbarian?” He replied, “It depends on who is calling who barbarian.” Wow, and Profound! Did you “play” the Dozens? I did, as victim and victimizer. According to Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, Child Psychologist, Chicago, Ill, Raising Black Boys, people in general and many minority children are sensitive and angry about being called savage, uncivilized or barbarian more than trading salvos such as “Your mama.” I use to hear, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Does any of this resonate with you? Have you thought about these terms and what they mean to others? Do you recall how others or how you felt when you heard these terms/ phrases directed toward you? Name calling is how many social interactions become negative conflicts. 

Why do you think we do this to each other? How can we/ I stop or transform negative into positive communication?