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Reduced to their theoretical base level words are simply constellations of sounds arranged in recognized patterns to convey collectively agreed upon meanings. They are, in and of themselves, tools making them neither good nor evil. But given that their sole purpose is to convey meaning there is no ‘only’ about them. Those meanings can have tremendous impact and our choice of them demonstrates our intentions thus imbuing words with both vital importance and immense power.
In the hands of a skilled practitioner words can empower, up-lift, inspire, heal, and connect. They can also crush, demoralize, wound, and terrorize. Used with deliberate skill and articulation words can literally change the world. They don’t have to be part of a masterfully crafted speech or zealously penned manifesto, however, to have profound impact. Even the most casual conversations can inspire far greater good or ill than we might intend or are even aware of because the impactful power of meaning is more in the hands of the listener than the speaker.
For those on the outside of general social norms words can have life altering effects. They can engender safety or peril, welcome or reject, include or attack, heal or wound. At the obvious and extreme end of the spectrum prejudice and bigotry wield words as weapons…