“A word after a word after a word is power,” author Margaret Atwood tells us, and the past several months, culminating in the events of January 6, 2021, have proven her right.
We can use words to inflame hate or inspire compassion. We can wield them to divide or utilize them to unite. We need to recognize the power of words and start using them more carefully if we want to heal from the challenges of 2020 and move forward productively.
Specifically, I suggest we send less words out into the world and think more about the words we absorb. In social media and news reports, people use simple terms for complex ideas, and I’m convinced half the time, we don’t really know what the words mean. When a protestor claims, “The democrats want socialism“, what does that even look like? When a pundit suggests “America is moving toward populism“, what does that say about our society?
We need to stop carelessly throwing words around and slow down to consider the meaning and influence of what we say. We must listen to the words of people we don’t agree with to appreciate why some are so upset and angry that they shatter windows and loot buildings, whether they do so in the streets of Portland or at the Capitol in D.C. We must use words to find understanding, to encourage cooperation, and to foster coexistence.
The words we tell ourselves and each other have incredible effect. We can use them to rehash old hurts and regurgitate old regrets, or we can employ them to build connection and inspire positive change.
At the turn of this new year, I’m planning on using words more intentionally, and I’ve chosen a few, from songs and Bible verses, to turn to when negativity threatens to break me down. My word for the year is “create”, and I originally chose it to remind me to nurture my own creativity, because I have learned indulging my creative side – by writing a novel, sketching a flower, or making a card- fills my spirit.
But now, after the events of January 6th, I realize I can’t just focus on me. People are hurting, and I must consider how my focus word, “create” can make this broken world better. I can, and must, create bridges, and safe places for dialogue, and trust, and understanding. It’s a heavy goal, but one I believe is necessary.
Word nerd note: In her acclaimed novel The Handmaids Tale, Margaret Atwood describes life in the oppressive republic of Gilead, a nation formed in the United States after insurgents storm the Capitol and take over Congress. Does that scare you a little? It should.
In 2021, let’s use words for better things: building, empathizing, understanding. Because as Atwood so wisely reminds us, “A word after a word after a word is power.”
What words will you focus on in 2021?
Thanks for getting thoughtful with me!
