Selectively Juggling

Why? Simply because words are simply words, it’s the energy and meaning we imbue them with, that gives them power and agency. Yes, there have been racist hate-filled and hateful words slung at people throughout history. Yet, what is encouraging is when those groups have reappropriated those offensive words, reframing and reshaping their meanings and negating the word’s previous meaning and power. Women have reappropriated words as well, taking words that have been spewed at us, through pursed hateful lips. Instead, taking those words and deconstructing the malignant meaning, giving them new meaning and narrative power.

There are words that I may find hurtful, yet I’m mindful that other cultures may have created different connotations around the word. Different to my own interpretation and frame of reference.

I’d much rather permanently delete some of humanity’s violence, hate and fear, rather than just mere words. It’s the thoughts, intentions and actions behind the words that really matter, as they shape the word’s intensity and cadence. And let’s be real here, no two people share the exact life experiences, education and state-of-mind. Each of us interrupts, perceives, processes and frames what we hear differently, simply deleting words from our vocabulary won’t alter that. Words aren’t the problem, it’s the intention and energy behind them that is. Words can be used to heal, reveal or harm. So let’s look at educating people on how to best understand the inherent power of words.