The following Hot Button Feedback is part of an ongoing series of commentaries from KPLC viewers. It does not necessarily represent the views of the staff or management of KPLC and is presented as a public service.
Hi, I'm Madison Johnson and I'm 9 years old.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." As a nine year old this is a phrase I have heard several times on the playground at my local elementary school.
I think that the famous quote should say. " Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names and words will hurt me. " Name-calling, sarcasm, insults, and negative words all will carry a sting of their own. Sometimes this sting is long lasting .
Studies show that over 70% of people today have low self esteem because while growing up they heard negative words spoken over them.
My cousin Jade remembers the day that her 3rd grade teacher said that when she laughed she sounded like a hyena. Because of what her teacher said that day she didn't laugh out loud until the end of her teenage years. The power of a word.
Our words have the power to make a person feel like something or make them feel like nothing. Our words when spoken positively can have a life changing effect on other. The power of a word.
I challenge you to begin to use your words wisely, choose to build others up and not tear them down, speak words of life over your friends , families, loved ones. This world can be a better place using the power of a word.
Thank you.
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Dear KPLC viewers,
Do you have a reply to this Hot Button Feedback or a new Hot Button topic you'd like KPLC to consider? Please @mail it to hotbutton@kplctv.com or you can friend me on Facebook at Jim Serra Kplc. We may post it here, use it in a future Hot Button, or ask you to record your own "Hot Button Feedback" to be seen on KPLC and kplctv.com.
Thanks,
Jim Serra, chairman, KPLC Editorial Board
What a phenomenal job that little girl, just did on the Hot Button!! Good job Madison Johnson!! She was adorable and well spoken!!
Posted by: Jenee Clavelle Warner | December 22, 2011 at 02:28 PM
The little doll doing the Hot Button topic, this morning. If she's not the cutest thing, this side of Heaven, I just don't know what is! Cute CUTE! And a very strong message!
Posted by: Angela Hope Guthrie Dupas | December 22, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Wise words spoken so eloquently by a 9 yr. old girl - - - words giving a message
which all of us should heed and teach by taking her challenge.
Good Work, Madison!
Posted by: Ginny Goodloe | December 22, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Out of the mouth of babies. I want to applaud the parents of this child. Little Miss Madison Johnson did an amazingly great job for a nine year old. What this child said should have been heard by everyone in the world and I recommend that it is aired again and again, for words when spoken positively can have a life changing effect on others. Thank you KPLC for airing this commentary.
Posted by: Natalie Narcisse | December 22, 2011 at 02:35 PM
Awesome little girl...Great H.B. topic.."
Posted by: Fletcher Burt | December 22, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Administrator's Note: Following are comments to this commentary posted on the KPLC 7 News Facebook page. Thx for your replies...Jim Serra
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Leslie Williams-Green She did an AWESOME job! Her parents should be proud, I am!
17 hours ago · Like · 3
Sharon Perrodin That was awesome....
16 hours ago · Like · 1
Darline Duncan LeJeune She's AMAZING! She's gonna be someone GREAT!
16 hours ago · Like · 2
Emily Cockrell Simien So impressive! She's so young but has a very powerful message.
16 hours ago · Like · 1
Linda Bushnell Polk She is a very smart little lady.So well spoken and what she said was so TRUE!!!!!...Just wonderful sweetie.
15 hours ago · Like
Shavon Smith She is an awesome little girl. Keep it up Madison!! Many are very proud of you!
15 hours ago · Like · 1
Grandmother Lyn Richardleblanc Priceless! Great job! ok, step aside Cynthia! Awesome!
15 hours ago · Like
Carolyn Ray I'm so glad you gave me a way to let Madison know how impressed we were with her!!! She is a very talented little girl!! And I hope everyone really takes her message to heart!! Out of the mouths of babes....
8 hours ago · Like · 1
Trish Trejo What a powerful young woman! She expressed herself beautifully on an important topic. Her family and teachers must be glowing with pride. This editorial shows that the future of our state is in capable hands.
8 hours ago via mobile · Like
Caroline Cook Madison is gifted, poised and beautiful. A young girl with a wonderful message. So proud of you, your parents should be proud. You are a breath of fresh air!!!
7 hours ago · Like
Doris Jones Ezell Madison did a great job of delivering her message!
6 hours ago · Like
Tiffani Broussard Jackson Great job Madison!
2 hours ago · Like
Posted by: Jim Serra, Administrator | December 22, 2011 at 02:55 PM
That little girl Madison Johnson who did the hot button is the best one I have heard in months!! Tell it like it is Madison can ya'll hire her??
Posted by: Marilyn Boudreaux | December 22, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Way to go Madison, great Hot Button Topic!
Posted by: Carol Martin | December 22, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Thank you!! A future little Cynthia? lol
Posted by: Vicki Sensat | December 22, 2011 at 03:01 PM
That was excellent!
Posted by: Rebecca McCajun | December 22, 2011 at 03:02 PM
She was so cute and well-spoken. Do believe she could be a Condaleeza Rice one day.
Posted by: Lou Parra | December 22, 2011 at 03:02 PM
She did a wonderful job and had a powerful message!
Posted by: Karen Steed Unkel | December 22, 2011 at 03:03 PM
She was wonderful. Brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: Cheryl Bertrand | December 22, 2011 at 03:04 PM
She was precious.....future anchor woman....
Posted by: Dee Dee Singleton | December 22, 2011 at 03:04 PM
That was a great Hot Button Topic. It's says alot about adults when a 9 year old child has to remind us our words hurt.
Posted by: Gene Olivier | December 22, 2011 at 03:15 PM