Katlego Sekhu
Teasing is a common childhood experience, and many of us have faced our share of teasing, whether from peers or family members. The common advice is to simply “shake it off,” but can teasing actually shape our character or leave lasting scars?
This week, Drive 959 explored this topic, asking listeners if childhood teasing made them tougher or left them emotionally vulnerable.
Glen Lewis shared his experience of being teased growing up in Meadowlands. He was often called “Hlogo mo imela” (big head), but he learned to shrug it off. “You just smiled and moved on,” he said. However, he acknowledged that today’s generation might be more sensitive to teasing.
Similarly, Skhumba revealed that he was teased for his head shape, earning the nickname “Makhulu Skop” (Big Head). He credits this teasing for helping him develop a thick skin. “I come from a family where teasing is normal. The teasing made my skin very thick. Whatever you’re going to say is nothing to me,” he said.
Kgomotso, on the other hand, was teased about her nose but didn’t let it affect her self-esteem.
