Words Have Power
Blog: Werner Janssen's blog
April 7, 2011
The power of love and compassion is the mustard seed of our emotions. Initially, its influence is minimal, but if love and compassion survive, they gain tremendous strength. On the other hand, the power of negativism and hate grows as rapidly as a brush fire, immediately destroying everything impacted. There are many who deny the impact of vitriolic speech on people and actions within our society. Any discussion concerning the negative power of malicious words threatens the influence of many politicians. Questioning the destructive impact of venomous comments threatens the fame and fortune for those making millions through the power of radio and cable TV.
Many positive statements are shared each day, but for some reason, words of kindness and affirmation gain slow traction. Those who deny the negative impact of caustic words try to eliminate any discussion concerning this possible relationship by demanding proof that words are linked to specific actions. For some listeners, frequently repeated lies and malicious comments generate an element of permission and encouragement impacting their own thoughts and actions.
Vitriolic speech can motivate many people to be drawn into the speakers’ sphere of bias. Speech that allows a person to feel included and affirmed can easily sway the listener. Speech that zeros-in on a perceived power and specifically words directed against a power structure, such as our government, rapidly gains strength. We all love to hate that which we see as threatening our personal power or freedom, even if it excludes others.
No one questions the effectiveness of advertisements. Advertising effectiveness is a science involving many elements easily manipulated to promote the desired results. Millions of dollars would not be spent on advertising if significant return on the investment were not realized. Limbaugh, Beck and all of their like-minded friends are essentially masters of thought advertising. It is clear that they are neither journalists nor voices of truth. Their rancorous voices can eliminate critical thinking within the minds of the listeners, thus impacting the possibility of any civil conversation.
Society will continue to grapple with the probability that cruel and hurtful speech encourages violence in our society. It is impossible to demonstrate a clear cause and effect relationship involving malicious speech and violence, but if advertising is accepted as effective in changing our thoughts and actions, it is evident that vitriolic speech and the frequently repeated lie will also have an impact on personal thoughts and behavior. Those on the extreme right or extreme left are generally too caught up in their own importance and feelings of always being correct to allow any rational discussion to proceed. If being an extremist is your passion, follow the example of Martin Luther King Jr. and be an extremist for Love.
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talan123 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
It takes seven positive sayings to equal one negative comment.
Genie 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
The hardest lenten promise I ever made was to memorize 40 powerful positive statements. Excellent post.
JustanObserver 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
I couldn't agree more. Good examples, though I'd imagine it's going to step on some people's toes.
From a social standpoint, Jesse Jackson does a lot of negative advertising as well. It's unfortunate that we tolerate the substitution of Rush Limbaugh for constructive discussion in the political arena, as is it unfortunate that we substitute Jesse Jackson's race-baiting as an authoritative figure on minority issues.
I guess the lesson here is that emotions are a stronger force than is intellectual stimuli. Therefore, appealing to emotions is more successful than appealing through rational ideas. It's an interesting concept, but it's played out over and over again in a variety of arenas.
talan123 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
Well if Limbaugh ever does say something constructive then we can begin that debate.
JustanObserver 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
To be honest, I need to revise my statement above. I don't listen/watch Glenn Beck, so while I he may be on the far right, I don't know that he speak in a vitrolic manner.
Makena 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
Werner, you use two (2) examples of of "masters of thought advertising" (to which I would disagree with you of that label for them) that are both considered on the right side of the political spectrum. I'm curious as to why you did not make mention of any on the left. But of course your bias is well known. I can provide an abundance of examples of exactly what you are talking about from the left side. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Sharpton, L. Farrakahn (sp?) , Howard Dean, Bill Maher, I could continue. On another note, I would disagree entirely with some of your statements, but I understand this is your blog and your opinion. Taking in the words of MLK Jr., I am convinced that he would more of a conservative / independent would he be alive today.
Norm 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
"Taking in the words of MLK Jr., I am convinced that he would more of a conservative / independent would he be alive today."
You're obviously not very familiar with the words of MLK. Read this: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm
searching 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
Jesse Jackson...Al sharpton...etc... Held in the good light as the news story's read typically.
They have done more to hurt black people than anyone I can think of
Chuck 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
What's the alternative? censorship? That seems a far greater evil IMHO.
Chuck 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
"Words and magic were, in the beginning, one and the same thing. And even today words retain much of their magical power." - Sigmund Freud
Annsboy 1 year, 1 month ago
Words Have Power
doesn't "liberal" mean open minded? somehow with todays libs the definition doesn't seem to fit.
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