The continued misuse of words



 

Today, I am going to look at the word controversial.

“Controversial: describes something that causes prolonged public disagreement, debate, or strong opposing views. It applies to topics, actions, or people that spark intense discussion and lack a general consensus”— Dictionary.com.

“Root: stems from the noun controversy, which means a prolonged public dispute.”

“Common examples: often used to describe polarizing policies, public figures, or debated art.” — Cambridge Dictionary

There are certain people in the news right now publicly displaying abhorrent and antisocial behavior, yet the media keeps calling them “controversial.”

I am not sure why.

There is nothing controversial about simple rudeness, cruelty, or a complete lack of basic respect for others. (There is another term I could use, but I am keeping this PG.)

At some point, we as a society need to stop romanticizing or excusing bad behavior under labels like “controversial,” “unfiltered,” or “not politically correct,” and simply call it what it is.

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.

And frankly, sometimes telling people the truth about themselves might save their life before they meet the “wrong person on the right day.”

Things to think about.

Dr. Flavius A. B. Akerele III
The ETeam

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