I am guilty. I am truly at fault for not living by this saying. Blame on it my need to please people (there’s some psychology here…but we’ll leave that for another time). Blame it on the acceptance that everyone slightly alters the truth. Blame on the belief that if it is important enough, one will dedicate the time needed to be precise and accurate in their word selection.
Whatever the case, the fact remains that exacting and precise language is rarely used modern discourse. Catch phrases, slang, diplomacy, etc. – all contributing factors to the propagation of inaccurate (at best) and dishonest (at worst) language.
Outward communication, most specifically dialogue (for the majority of people), is the most informative way to reveal who we are. It is through conversations with others that our most deep-seated opinions and judgments are formulated about others.
At the center of this practice lies a complicated moral pathway: honesty. While being honest is a value that always tops the list of people’s most significant traits, there is a blatant disconnect when it comes to utilization daily conversation. This type of dishonest discussion can range from incorrect word choice (knowingly or unknowingly) to outright lies. Since we can assume outright lies require a conscientious decision, I am going to turn my focus to the inaccurate (and sometimes harmful) word selection in everyday dialogue.
Why have we let our most important medium become corrupted with falsities? The answer is twofold. Reason one: the act of conversation is so common that people rarely ever scrutinize or reflect on their discussions. This reality is directly linked with the second reason: speaking accurately takes work. Active speaking requires mental energy. The process of putting an extra filter into your head that analyzes the forthcoming phrase to meet the acceptable standard of “do I really mean this?” or “is this what I really want to say?” takes effort, and people generally don’t want to review everything they are going to say.
I can certainly understand that and, as mentioned, I am an active participant in unfiltered language at times. But it is when our dialogue turns harmful or lazy, that I begin to cringe.
Let’s start with the harmful: the popularity and misunderstanding of the terms “fag” and “gay.” These homosexual terms have developed a negative connotation and are often used repeatedly to condemn a person or an action. Hardly ever does the speaker really mean that that individual or instance is representative of actually homosexuality. Instead, it is most often used to quickly ridicule someone or something. In the end, the widespread use of these terms in this context harms the gay community by associating all things negative with “gay” or “fag.”
Now onto the lazy: “douche bag.” This gem has really gained a stronghold among my generation and I can positively say that no one literally believes that someone is acting like a “douche bag.” But out of convenience and the virus of verbal repetition, this term stands atop the most often used terms to dislike someone/something.
Ok, so what’s the big deal if someone uses the term douche bag? It doesn’t harm the douche bag community, right? The concern is that the growing applicability of this term is drowning out the use of other, more specific, accurate, and descriptive terms. If someone is conceited they are a douche bag, rather than self-absorbed or narcissistic. If someone is a liar they are a douche bag, rather than deceitful or dishonest.
Think back to the loquacious and dynamic writings of our country’s founders. Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton – these men were articulate and resolute in their insults. Someone along the way, the critical thinking necessary for clear, accurate, and honest communication was replaced with the ability to replicate the phrase/term of the moment.
This dangerous trend is creating a generation of inarticulate parrots. Moreover, this deleterious trend is getting passed on to younger generations. But all hope is not lost. If we start with filtering out popular terms of the moment, we can begin to reintegrate the variety of the English language back into our vernacular.
With unlimited information at our disposal, success will not be determined by those that have the information (as it once ways), but rather those that can clearly and effectively communicate it. I can tell you this much – douche bag ain’t gonna cut it.
