If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing.
Proverbs 12:18
We all remember the famed quote or at least the saying during recess, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” That is not the case nowadays. The power in our words has shown to be as powerful as the famous speeches in history that changed the world, and changed minds.
When I read the question about what word would I ban, I surprisingly did not have anything come to mind. I’m not one to want to change what was, however learn from it. Understand it. Why is the word or words so offensive? Take note of the conversation and agree to disagree, however there are of course some words we know we should not use, however just because I ban it, does not mean it is being said when I’m not around.
My feelings around words is I’m not as offended as others may be. You may be offended I’m not offended. I believe we need to know the bad to know what’s good. We all don’t have the same background or cultural make up so having anxiety or stress from someone’s beliefs that are not aligned with mine has no power over my feelings. If we were to walk and talk with various people regarding the topic of banning a word or words, I assume we would get mixed reviews and the reality for me as a coach to recreational players and competitive ones is, words hurt if not put into the right context to the content in the conversation.
I saw we have a database in our minds about what words we don’t agree upon, however we cannot expect someone to do ban that same word because we, even if the majority in the state of California are in disagreement. I say we recognize it as offensive and do our best to respect those who feel a certain way about choice words, however as bloggers we know someone is going to find an angle that may cause a crucial conversation or add a cognitive dissonance about the whole topic. That is fine. Free country, free speech, however free speech that’s appropriate to get to a common ground not one side of the discussion, unless you say its a debate! Then bring facts and stats!
Again, I’m not banning any words as they really depend on my mindset or the person listening to the topic of banning a word. I’m sure one day I will find a word I want to ban, right I want to ban doing laundry! Ban the word folding. I’m not mocking the topic and if you read it that way I’m sorry.
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