A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow
to anger appeaseth strife.
It's been on my mind lately (especially given the recent events in our presidential race) that the art of a measured answer may be slipping away. Our language has become heated and furious without empathy or moderation.
I read an article detailing events at the rally of a political front-runner. The candidate was using his usual inflammatory language to rile the crowd, with many small words designed to excite emotion rather than promote thought. As he spoke, a fight broke out, not the first at his rallies. The event passed with barely a blurb online. People were just being people after all.
A first grader could tell you what was wrong there. "he shouldn't have done that" or "he could have used his words" might be the response. How have we come to the point that such a breakdown of decorum becomes common-place?
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| Be not angry at whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humour makes of one dish of meat a feast. George Washington, Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour |
Much comes from our internet culture. There is an allure in saying what you truly feel, or something outrageous; we can get a rush from the shock people feel. It is dangerously freeing to have a shield of anonymity or distance to divorce oneself from the emotional destruction our loose and careless words can cause. It can be like a crack habit, a needed fix, an addiction.
As we let our online freedom go to our heads, it can begin to show in our real lives. Childish misbehaving is all it really is. "I dare you to do it," says one. A moment of rebellion against the good principles later "Wow, I can't believe he actually did that." A new star is born on the playground, because even among children controversy sells. The rush of misbehavior online can be amplified by our playmates.
Is it a need to show bravado? Is it rebellion against establishment? Is it the need to prove ourselves that drives us to rude, crude, and foolish actions?
A person may have a temporary respect of a few when his peers see him as radical and brave enough to insult or mock someone to their face, but it will not last. Nothing they say will be anything but a wacky memory in later years. There is nothing to inspire, no quotes will be written as nothing of substance is said. It is base emotion and not intellect that rule their tongues. As others grow wiser, they will see that and leave.
But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee—
Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you.
Take time to think before you speak. Why do you want to say what you plan to say? What is the company? If this were told to someone not present, would they be offended? What we say is part of who we are. If you wish to be better, speak of better things. If you wish to seethe in ignorance -- mock and insult, pour out scorn and reap what you sew.
Hatred precludes thoughtful discussion and reconciliation. We are greatest when we stand together, so push no-one away. Unite and rise together.
Jonathan Potter
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