In Considering That Words Matter

 

In Considering that Words Matter 

 

by James Palombo

T

he title of this brief piece speaks for itself – that words matter is a notion with which we’ve become quite familiar. Unfortunately, given the level of vitriol and malevolence coming from all angles these days, the essence of the statement seems under attack. With this troubling circumstance in mind I’m sending along a few terms whose interpretations also speak for themselves, particularly in our continuing quest to both establish a more civil and well-informed citizenry and to better clarify the country’s actual identity.

These terms are similar to those reviewed in the Social Problems courses that I’ve taught over the years – courses designed to get people to THINK and DISCUSS issues from all sides of the table.  And as I do in the classroom I’ll expect you to look-up/provide the corresponding definitions. Simply put, doing this on your own usually serves to better engage the memory.  I’ll also encourage you to share the terms and definitions with your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and any of those participating in processes like education and politics, feeling free to add or subtract as you see fit. In short it seems very clear that many of us, even in the highest of places, need a significant reminder of how productive civic dialogue is supposed to happen. And this exercise, which has proven its worth, is meant to be a step in that direction.

JUSTICE

EQUALITY

FREEDOM

HUMAN RIGHTS

DEMOCRACY

CAPITALISM

SOCIALISM

COMMUNISM

LIBERAL – LEFT

CONSERVATIVE – RIGHT

RADICAL

REACTIONARY

STATUS QUO

CHURCH AND STATE

SPIRITUALISM

RELIGION

WELFARE

GLOBALIZATION

DEBT

CONSUMERISM

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

TECHONOLOGICAL REVOLUTION

INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

CULTURAL IDENTITY

NATIONALISM

ASSIMILATION

CULTURAL IDENTITY

DISCRIMINATION

CULTURAL RELATIVISM

ETHNOCENTRISM

DEEP STATE

HISTORY

CIVIC EDUCATION

                                                              —- THE FUTURE IS NOW MY FRIENDS—-