I am not special.
Webster's defines the word Special as "different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others."
Seriously, from that definition are any of us really special? Do we even want to be? Usually the term is thrown around to build self-esteem but I don't know if it's better to think that I'm better or more important than others.
I think we need to maybe refrain from using words beyond their intended meanings. I'm not special. I may have a special outlook on the world, but I, myself, am not special.
Of course, the phrase could also be used to teach kids to respect one another I guess. If I'm special, the reasoning may go, then everyone is special and I should treat them as such. This is a load of hooey to me. You want to teach a kid to be arrogant and self-serving as a way to teach them to get along?
No, teach kids that they aren't special, that they aren't better, and that they are not deserving of special treatment. Then teach them to treat others how they would want to be treated. It's different when you think you don't deserve it. For one thing, you aren't offended when someone else fails to treat you as you treated them.
I think a better word to build a child's self-esteem is "unique." They are unique. There is no one else on the planet with the same outlook, thoughts and feelings. Oh they may be similar, but not exact.
We are all unique.
In the future let's not use the word special when we really mean unique.
