The words that we humans use to communicate with one another are so very powerful. The words that are chosen carry tremendous ammunition that can either heal, uplilft, wound, anger, or degrade. We hold the power of choice to use words for a positive effect or for a negative effect.
Between the newspaper, the television, and internet, recorded instances of word power have recently come to light, as happens on a daily basis. For example, a world-ranked tennis star looses by one point because she cannot control her tongue; a nationally-elected politician chooses to yell inappropriate words at an inappropriate time at the Great Illusionist; a local figure blasts a local leader and feels the need to pepper his speech with profanity; a grieving bride-to-be gives a eulogy for her intended in the church where they were to have wed that very day; a married couple is caught on tape in a conversation that demeans both of them instead of building their marriage up. These instances are but a tip of a giant iceberg of incivility toward each other - to strangers, co-workers, those we should respect regardless of our ideological beliefs, and to loved ones. There are thousands, maybe millions, of conversations occurring each day that we never hear about where humans berate each other, leaving a sour taste of bitterness or anger in the memory of the one on the receiving end.
As a race, let us humans clean up our language to each other and learn to disagree with civility and respect. It is OK to disagree but let us agree to disagree with mutual respect. We might become better listeners.
Ancora imparo
