One saying I heard throughout my youth was, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me.” The purpose was to remind us, that we were to ingnore and not react to name calling because it could not hurt us if we ignored it. In today’s world of social media, texting and instant communication, that saying no longer applies. As we have seen in the last year, words matter and they can cause great pain.
Today we are bombarded with words through the news media, google feeds, tweets, texts, etc. all trying to influence our thinking. Our online shopping orders influence the google feeds and advertisements we see. Our internet searches influence the google feeds and advertisments we see. From our habits on the internet, a profile is developed about us. This profile influences the information we receive. If our internet searches and spending habits are similar to other conservatives, we get targeted with conservative information. If our internet searches and spending habits are similar to liberals, we get targeted with liberal information. Marketing companies and political strategests know if people hear the same thing over and over again, tthey begin to believe it is the truth, even when it is not. Words matter.
Political leaders and biased radio and television commentators, know if they say the same thing over and over many people will believe it is true even when it is not. Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and MSNBC use this to create loyal followers, who believe what they are hearing. Words matter.
The Russians knew in 2016 that by bombarding people with false and misleading information they could influece our election. Negative campaigns work because people believe what they hear if they hear it enough. Words matter.
Last week, Governor Whitmer announced that a new group of citizens would be eligible to receive their vaccination through their local county health departments or health centers starting Monday January 11. People just needed to visit the health departments or health centers websites to schedule a visit. Unfortunately her words were premature as no one had the vaccine nor were they ready to schedule vaccinations through their websites. Many of the websites crashed because of the overwhelming demand put on them by people believing Governor Whitmer. Words matter.
President Trump encouraged and supported the attack on the capital through his words at the rally in Washington on the morning of January 6, 2021. His words were the match that lighted the flame. Words matter.
Now more than ever, we need to be leary and cautious of what we hear. We need to determine on our own if what we are hearing is true or not. We need to do our homework and make up our own mind. We need to know that there are factions who are trying to manipulate us with their words. We need to take responsibility for our own way of thinking.
Politicians and advertisors know that words matter. They know they can manipulate us with their words. It is up to us to not be manipulated.
Stay safe, wear your mask, social distance and wash your hands regularly.
Quote of the Day: “Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” Belichick wrote. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.” Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Head Coach.