Blog # 5 – Conclusion

This blog series began with the question “is there danger in the words we use?” and at the conclusion it appears yes there are dangers in words we choose to use.  Words are a reflection of inner beliefs, and are re-enforcement of these feelings, that can modify how we view the society in which we live.  Words allow us to distance ourselves from others and act towards others in ways that are unjust and immoral.  If we are to live together peacefully as a society we must see the bonds that connect us, and not use words to cut those bonds.

Yes, individually education and self-reflection seems to be how we can best humanize those we encounter on a daily basis and how we can improve our world.  A question that still lingers is how do we change social commentary that is exceedingly popular in our media?  Dehumanization of groups, races, and religions in the news is ratings gold by feeding into our fears and hatreds.  While a person can change how long can change last the message in society it constantly challenging it?

To follow up this series it seems arguing for accountability in the media is a way to bring about social awareness of the words we use.  The news media needs to rededicate itself to moral standards, investigating news, and being unbiased.  Selling of fear, playing on insecurities, and creating conflict should not be considered “freedom of the press” but marketing of corporate news product.  An area I was unable to cover in the blog is the inaccuracy of the news reporting of “illegals”, which is a falsity promoted within media for ratings that creates dehumanization of a group of people resulting in hatred and inhuman acts of cruelty.  Undocumented individuals are not violating criminal law in most states, but civil law, thus the term “illegal” is false and leading.  The video “Actions are illegal, never people” touches on several points in the future I would like to explore about the words we use.  

Works Cited:
TEDxTalks. "Actions Are Illegal, Never People: Jose Antonio Vargas at TEDxMidAtlantic 2012." YouTube. YouTube, 2012. Web. 13 July 2016.