The Power of Words

I've always known words were powerful. This isn't hard to grasp as a child. I would venture to say that most children learn it on the playground at some point. Oh, there are those special few who stay above the fray and get to do all the taunting, but I think most fall victim to words at some time or another.

Over the course of adulthood, I would see things that reminded me of that power, but it was mostly fleeting. There was the occasional "I wish I hadn't said that" or "God, why did I push ______ into saying that; I didn't really want to hear it," but generally it wasn't harmful to my well-being in any long-term way.

Thanks to the Internets, I became reacquainted with the power of words when I joined my first message board. This was a real eye-opener! I learned a lot about the power of anonymity, trust, and myself. I never thought I 'd be the sort to get sucked into drama, but boy I did. And in the process, I crashed and burned. Perhaps it was partially the timing of it all. It coincided with my law school debacle, and I wasn't exactly in my prime (to put it mildly). I did a few vicious, under-handed things, trusted the wrong people, and got blamed for even more under-handed things I never did. But still, I came out of it smarter, unscathed though with a bruised ego perhaps, and with even more on-line friends than I ever imagined I'd have so it was all for the good.

Lately, with the popularity of Facebook, I'm finding a new power in words, and it mostly has to do with syntax and choice of wording. I am amazed by the authority with which people brand others and things. It's made me even more careful in how I choose words. I think I was pretty considerate of others' feelings before, but I am definitely more so now. I don't know if it's not caring, thoughtlessness, or what, but I find myself having to just ignore the groups people join, the things they "like" or the posts they create or it would truly get to me. Perhaps I care too much about what people think, perhaps I give others too much power, or maybe I expect better and routinely find myself being disappointed by people. Or maybe it's all three. And now, I'll give you a few examples.

I would never ever, EVER, join a group condemning all Republicans. In fact, I am overly careful in making sure I only join groups mocking elected officials or people in the public eye. I have no problem voicing my complete and utter disdain for Sarah Palin. Likewise, I think it's funny that groups like "can this pickle get more fans than Barack Obama?" or "Can this poodle with an aluminum hat get more fans than Glenn Beck?" (I joined that one, heh heh) exist. What gets me is the number of my FB friends who have joined a group (or liked) called something to the effect of "Democrats are stupid." It's not referring only to politicians. I am a Democrat. You are talking about ME when you become a part of that. Likewise, I have never ever been so disappointed in so many people than when I saw people joining or liking that group that prayed for Barack Obama's death. That was insane. Yes, I remember who joined. I doubt I could ever forget. And yes, it forever changed my perception of the kind of person he or she is. I hope the "joke" was worth it. I am an opinionated person when it comes to politics. But I can safely say that I believe I am a better person than many I see on FB. I never once wished for George W. Bush's death even though I couldn't stand him for most of his presidency, nor would I even join anything proclaiming all Republicans are dumb.

Which brings me to my next point: debates. I *love* a few of my more outspoken conservative friends who can stay above the fray and debate me on issues. It has gotten more than a little heated a few times, but it's generally polite. I love that they counter me with facts and reasons for their beliefs and usually don't turn to ridiculous talking points. Conversely, there are at least two that I won't even bother with any longer. They are rude, condescending, and simply not worth my time. For example, during the healthcare debate, one wrote a lengthy post of their views. I countered with a polite view of mine. I wanted a good debate. I got a inane Fox News talking point du jour "Someone's been drinking the Kool-Aid." Ooohh, burn.... There is really no use in even attempting to talk to such people. Their minds are so closed a chainsaw couldn't open it. I know I have better people to talk to anyway.

Lastly, opinions... Everyone has them. What bothers me is the visceral ferocity of some. I don't like ZZ Top. It's really that simple. One day I might have reason to state this on FB, and I will do so just as I just did. What I won't say is "ZZ Top is the crappiest, most worthless group ever created." Why? Some of my friends may like them. Maybe I shouldn't care, but it bothers me a great deal when someone goes off on this diatribe condemning something I like. It makes me feel irrelevant or more importantly stupid because I do like them. But maybe, that's my problem. I don't know... Maybe I shouldn't care. But I do.