Are Words Losing Their Power?

Are Words Losing Their Power?

Words once carried a lot of weight. About 150 years ago, what you said could literally get you killed. Insulting another man, his wife or his family could result in violence and even death.

Less than 100 years ago, in 1939, the audience was stunned when the word “damn” was used in the movie classic Gone With the Wind. Moreover, “curse” words were not used in movies on a regular basis until the late 1960s, when the MPAA lifted their ban on the use of such words.

Whether we consider “curse” words, heavy criticism, or direct insults, the prevalence of confrontational and potentially demeaning words is ever increasing. Words that once carried power, meaning, and even authority are now wielded with little regard for their effect and impact.

This is, at least in part, a result of technology. More specifically, the anonymity of the internet and social media allow for the opinionated and somewhat harsh use of words that were once reserved for the most serious of situations. As a result, the importance of many words is being diluted.

Words and Social Media

Today, power words are used with much more regularity and by more and more people. Children and teenagers have little hesitation to use these once emotive “curse” words when joking with their friends. Social media is rampant with vulgar words and expressions, and are often posted by individuals who have little awareness of what the word actually means.

Similarly, we now live in a world where everyone can serve as a critic. While there are some positive aspects to this, the problem is that anyone can express an opinion or view about something with little consequence. Individuals with no expertise, understanding, or skill can berate and shred a product or a person and never have to justify or explain the review. How many times have you researched an item to purchase and read a horrible review of the item that resulted in you changing your mind? How do you know that person ever actually purchased the product? And even if he/she did, how do you know that he/she attempted to use it in the proper way or followed the directions?

You have no guarantee of any of that. In fact, you are trusting that this anonymous person is giving you an honest review. Unfortunately, with the increase of trolling and the desire to “get clicks,” many internet users post harsh criticism simply with the goal of garnering attention – it really has nothing to do with giving valid information.

If anyone can say what ever is on their mind using what ever words they choose, do the words still have the same meaning? How many movies can be the “Best film of all time”? How many products can really be a “Must Have”? How many events can really be the “Biggest waste of money”?

OK, So What’s the Big Deal?

As words lose their meaning, there are multiple consequences, though the two biggest involve their precocious use and bullying.

We have all seen the random videos on Facebook and Instagram of a toddler using the “F” word. And while the humor, in part, comes from the discrepancy of such an emotionally provocative word being used by a small child, the concern that younger children are using these words is very evident. Parents often comment – with some surprise – about the use of these words in children. They say things like, “And he uses that word appropriately, too!” suggesting that the child uses it in a context similar to when adults use it.

Walking the halls of a middle school – or even the PE field of an elementary school – you will hear a broad spectrum of colorful language. Children using these once revered words in much the same way we once said “Dang it!”.

While many would blame video games for this precocious behavior, the real culprit is a little bit closer to home. Sure social media is a contributing factor, but so are parents. Many adults throw these words around with little regard for who is listening. So when a parent says, “And he uses that word appropriately, too,” that usually means that the child has heard adults use the word in that context enough times for him to understand how to use it. This exposure does not have to come from the parent, it could be an older sibling or another relative. But the result is the same, more adult use results in more kid use.

The other issue is bullying. When young people (children, teens, and even young adults) use words without considering the impact or meaning, there is a strong likelihood that others could be hurt. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is a great philosophy, but is no longer realistic for many people. When anyone can say anything they want, there will be consequences.

We have heard of horror stories where one teen tells another, “You should just go kill yourself.” Those of us who work with children and teens overhear statements like, “You’re a piece of s#@%.” And “Get the f#@$ away from me you freak!” And the reality is that there is no response to balance that assault. When one person is willing to use words in that manner, there is no way to bridge the gap of misunderstanding. If you tell a person to “go kill yourself,” you have just taken the situation to a whole new level.

Freedom of speech is a right that we all share. But freedom of speech does come with a caveat. That is, you will – or should – be held accountable for what you say. And when we’re not, when we are in a situation – such as that on the internet and through social media – where we can say what ever we want with near complete anonymity we risk devaluing one of our fundamental tools for expressing ourselves.

This post was more a stream of thought than a call to action. But the bottom line is that we need a new appreciation for words, for our vocabulary. We are, in many ways, how we present ourselves. The You that others see is the You that is portrayed, and that can be by your attire, your attitude, and certainly by the words you choose to use. We must do a better job of teaching this important lesson to our children. Help them understand that words do hurt. Sure we should encourage them to express themselves. But they should learn to do so in a meaningful way, not simply with emotive and provocative words that are meant more to hurt others than to express one’s feelings.

Words have meaning. Words have power. Use that power wisely.