Words as the Foundation of Society
While I am traveling, the one thing that I realize is: the real measure of a society’s life is not the bureaucratic rules or the political system but the quality of the conversation among the citizens. My father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., used to say that the first step towards nonviolence and justice is the right use of language.
The other day I saw news about my country and I was really sad to see how bad things are. The societal fabric that is made from respect and joint efforts is now being torn down because of the wrong words used in public speech. When people use their speech to fight, it undermines trust, it drives apart communities, and it is the cause of democracy shaking to the core. These are not just fancy ideas; they are the real problems people deal with in their neighborhoods, schools, and political institutions.
Australia is also undergoing similar situations even though its past and present deal with specific problems. The current digital world gives an opportunity for these negative stories to travel all over the globe. Here, just like in other places, the mode of political approaches, media report, and small talk plays significant roles in the country’s character. The campaign for strengthening the social element does not come after laws are written; it rather starts with a personal and collective deal of creating a courteous society and ethical speech.
The time has come for us to accept that words are not neutral. They are active forces that are constantly changing our perceptions, shaping policies and reconstructing the reality we all share. If the leaders and the citizens deliberate on the use of emotions in the language, they encourage a culture of peace. However, the word that brings peace back, choosing the right road can connect the broken bridges again. This is not an invitation for dull, mindless agreement, but rather an assertion of the need for strict, courteous disagreements where ideas are looked at differently, not the integrity of the person confronted.
Courage is what shows the way. It signifies the effort of the teachers who should build empathy, the media that is supposed to put truth first, and the individual who is requested to be thoughtful before he speaks. Australia’s rich cultural background makes the problem even more pressing. Being open and inclusive to the dialog of respect will acknowledge the history of the indigenous peoples, receive various voices, and create a more powerful community.
The vision of my father was one based on love and truth that is expressed through the right words and actions. That dream is still a lighthouse to the world. Even though America is dealing with its own problems, Australia should take the lesson: it is the words we choose that shape the world around us. Through the use of a language of hope and kindness, we do not simply avert a crisis—we become creators of a future that is good enough to still keep our desires alive.
Source: The Guardian
