How Language Shapes Us

If you’ve been following U.S. Presidential election politics lately you would have heard about how Hillary Clinton made some comments that could be construed in a very negative light regarding Barack Obama and why she is staying in the race.

“My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don’t understand it.”

There is some video of the interview on youtube as well.

Now many think this was just some gaffe, and it may have been. The point is not really whether it was or not. It is the inferences that can and have been drawn from the statement. Some people play it off as just a dumb remark. It definitely was that but the deeper meaning if you read into it is more disturbing. I can see many thinking “well she is saying that if Obama gets killed I can step in for the nomination.” That is a horrible thing to say and rightly pisses some people off. This got me to thinking about the importance of what we say, how we say it, and when we say it.

Language is a powerful tool that can shape the outcome of many things. A harsh word at the wrong moment, a kind word at the right one. Words that can inspire both love and hate. It’s remarkable how much we are controlled by speech and language. And it does control us. Not only does it allow us to express ourselves, but it also modifies our behavior. I often wonder how this came to be, why we developed speech to begin with.

I am not trying to speculate on the origins of language right now. But it does amaze me how powerful language is. How words we use can have a powerful effect, intentional or unintentional. So in the end I guess one should be careful about what they say and when. I know I am an expert of inserting foot in mouth, but I do try and control it.

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