I was always taught that I should be careful what I say, and that words matter. I have tried to live by that idea, but I admit that once in a while I do mess up.
Seems that over the past 10 years or so, it has been acceptable to just blurt out anything and everything, regardless of if those words cause hurt or harm someone. Particularly, in the realm of politics.
Now, I get that this area has always been contentious, and by it’s nature creates great philosophical differences. In the past, the differences would be stated with the understanding that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Somewhere along the way, the viciousness and hatred has boiled over to the point where horrible words are common place and have been normalized. Why?
Words should matter.
It has been universally accepted that certain words, and certain circumstances can create chaos, panic, and unnecessary danger. You don’t yell “fire” in a crowded theater. Especially, if there is no fire.
It is not acceptable to lean on the religious philosophies and teachings to justify using hateful words, either. Most religions include something along the lines of “do unto others” within their teachings. This doesn’t imply that it is okay to use words against one’s enemies because they did it first.
I find it pretty amazing that one of the biggest issues with why words matter, has to do with truthfulness. Untrue words (often spoken as an opinion) when knowingly using those words, are still a lie. The problem becomes even more complex, when a person actually believes the words.
Is it really, your word against mine? Is there a universally acceptable method of determining if something is true or false? What do the various religions around the world have to say about determining truth from non-truth?
According to an online edition of Webster’s Dictionary, the word Truth is most often used to mean being in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original or standard.
This means that each religion can define what is true independently. Each can create their own standard that they insist the followers agree to. I prefer the part of the definition that attests to words being factual or being in accord with reality. But, once again – there are those that will argue there are different reality’s – so, therefore different truths must be possible.
Words don’t only matter if they are true though. Words should matter if they are hurtful, or mean, or harmful. No one should be subjected to having words said about them whose sole purpose is to demean or disenfranchise them.
Words matter, and how a person uses them – matters even more.
I prefer to not be a fan of political personalities that find don’t care to tell the truth. If a person willfully lies to you, how could you ever trust them? If they deny that they are lying, even though there is factual evidence that they are lying – and if they have been informed that those facts exist, but still continue to lie – there is something terrible going on. They might be mentally unstable and incapable of telling the truth under any circumstances. I would never vote for someone that behaves like that.
Ever.
Ruminati 