Our Words…
As a former psychology major, and avid buff of movies and literature, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the power of words.
Our words can do many things. It can move us to tears, move us to laughter, lift us up into healing, and hurl us into the depths of despair.
Our words can scar. It can sear the psyche, casting our souls into darkness. It can create a great legacy that resonates across the eons, making us and our ideas immortal.
Our words can be used for education. Our words can be used for manipulation. Our words can be used to shake someone awake. Our words can be used to inflame someone into a rage. Our words can inspire others to action.
Our words can be used to slap someone so hard that they turn and leave, forever.
Our words can define who we are and what we stand for.
Tell me… who are we? What does the Deaf Community stand for? Do we truly understand the power of our words?
Sometimes I wonder.
7 Comments
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C said,
August 28, 2007 at 9:19 pm
How true. Sometimes people don’t think before they express what they’re saying. Only if everyone followed the this basic rule: Treat others the way you’d want them to treat you.
IamMine said,
August 28, 2007 at 9:26 pm
*nods to C*
Great post!
Oscar the Observer said,
August 28, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Yes, I agree. However, there ARE some cases where Deaf people type out words that can seem harsh in written English but through signing just because they aren’t as well trained in written English proper manners, etc. So you may want to add examples to explain what you specifically mean because you are right on!
Jeffrey said,
August 28, 2007 at 10:55 pm
I loved the way you presented the question at hand. Just who are we? I, too, ponder this and often realize that there is no one way about it. I do believe, though, that we are alive and we’re breathing rather well.
Perhaps this grizzly is about to awaken?
Perhaps.
I have a strong sense that with our understanding of such words, the exchange of them, is teaching us just what we need to know in order to eventually find out who we really are as a community. I like to believe our truths are burning and the lies, their lies that have become ours, are slowly diminishing. These are, however, merely words. What matters most, is that I find inspiration from words. Your words, their words, our words. We’re sharing these experiences with words and I thank you for sharing yours.
Imagine warriors walking in the cold darkness in search for their truth. Truth, as one may discover, comes from within and that leads them to find another so that that truth may be shared. Truth is like a fire burning in the distance, calling out to others to come forward into the circle of our communities. This truth is what enlightens us, unites us, and ultimately, it reminds us that we are here to work together to keep that fire burning. For us as a Deaf community, we’re beginning to rely more on our own fuel instead of theirs. We’re closing in on the gasoline and bringing on the deadwood.
The truth is only natural and the warriors are agathering for the feast.
Many Thanks your way,
Jeffrey
Ella Lentz said,
August 29, 2007 at 2:06 am
How true! And words also mean signs, you know. And the concept of “framing” using language to frame a certain way of thinking has become very important in politics and grassroot movements. And words (and languages) are important in the discovery of self. Simple concept yet so complicated. Sigh.
WAD said,
August 29, 2007 at 10:33 am
I do see some commenters NOT providing a sensitive and non-judgmental response and sadly this hurts the deaf community.
A Deaf Pundit said,
August 29, 2007 at 11:11 am
I would like to think that we’re not awakening to be warriors, but awakening to become our true, authentic selves.
Coming to understand the power we wield, and to use it as a surgical tool only when necessary, and not as a club to swing around mindlessly.
I’m not going to give you guys examples. You guys are smart enough to find those examples on your own, if you would just look around.