We can create positive change
by choosing not to use language that no longer serves us such as "boys
don't cry" along with many others.
There are many troubling phrases in our language that we use without
considering their full meaning simply because they have been accepted into
common knowledge. Even as our ideals progress, our language maintains some
phrases from our past that no longer serve us, for example: Boys don't cry;
good child; boys will be boys; problem child; illegitimate child; and many more.
While these phrases may be used without harmful intent, they are inherently
negative. We gay boys that became gay men are especially sensitive to such
phrases, which may stay with us our whole lives, adversely affecting our
self-image and wounding our self-esteem. We can create positive change by
choosing not to use these words and phrases as we come across them in our
vocabulary.
It is challenging to examine our habits in terms of the words we use to express
ourselves, but it is also exciting. Language is an area where we can exercise
our free will, creating positive change in the world around us by simply
choosing carefully the words we use. It may seem like a small thing, but our
words have a rippling effect, like a stone thrown in a pond. People naturally
pick up on the way other people speak, consciously or unconsciously changing
the way they speak in response. We don't need to actively try to influence
people; it happens without our even thinking about it. All we have to do is
choose to be more conscious ourselves, putting to rest words and phrases that
are outmoded, insensitive, or harmful. We can also exercise our creativity by
creating new phrases that carry positive and loving energy to replace the old
ones.
You may already have some ideas about phrases you'd like to transition out of
your language, and now that you're thinking about it you may come across many
more. As you consciously decide not to use these phrases, you may feel lighter
and more joyful, knowing that you have chosen to drop baggage that was handed
down to you from a less conscious time. As you do so, you elevate the language
for future generations who would no doubt thank you if they could.
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I AM...
I am whatever YOU think I am until YOU get to KNOW me. This is true for everyone else too, of course.. so don't make assumptions about anyone or pass judgment; ask questions. You might just make a new friend.
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Sunday, September 26, 2021
❤️🩹 HEALING PAST HURT 😔 OUR COMMUNITY LANGUAGE 🏳️🌈
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Boys cry too, & that's a good thing 👍🏻🙂
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