Triggered

Triggered.. it’s the new joke, the new word we toss around when people say or do something that rings true or reminds of a bad experience. In today’s society the word triggered has become a joke. We do not necessarily have to have experienced something to toss the word out there as a joke.

A friend makes a sexual innuendo or pass in a joking manner and we may toss out the word triggered just for kicks and giggles. It’s not just this word though. Language has gotten to a place where we do not respect the power of words. We use words such as retard, short bus, window licker as jokes and we laugh.

We justify it by saying it is done in a joking manner and not to cause harm. However, we do not necessarily understand the origination of the words we toss out so carelessly. The word retard was not always a slur against individuals with intellectual disabilities. It used to have a use, however, as it goes with many words society turned it into something ugly.

The gaming community is one place I see this abundantly. Language is not treated with the respect it deserves. We take words that are serious and meaningful and we change their meaning because it is “funny.” It is much easier then addressing the fact that those words make us uncomfortable, and then addressing why those words make us uncomfortable.

I have my own triggers, especially around certain times of the year. I am not innocent of making words into jokes. It is easier than addressing what triggered me in the first place. I can easily toss out the word triggered and laugh it off, instead of addressing the real issue. It is easy and involves much less pain.

Words hold power. One of my favorite quotes about words and the power they hold is from a Robin Williams movie, The Dead Poets Society.

“No Matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”

Words and Ideas can change the world.. I believe this to the bottom of my soul. It has caused me to be called Naive by many. However, change starts with words and it starts with ideas. Words hold power. He goes on to say the following,

Yet another excellent quote. However, let’s apply this to the rest of life. “Avoid using the word very because it’s lazy. A man in not very tired he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason (insert your reason here) and in that endeavor laziness will not do.”

Language, words have power. Do not dismiss that power, because every change, every idea begins with words. We are built up and torn down by words. Use them wisely.