Using Language to Feel United

I don’t want to see us and them. And I think the biggest challenge we face…. is staying kind with profound disagreement — and staying kind when a mechanism has been set up to make money and power out of hate. —Penn Gillette

The political divide in the United States feels immense. It seems there is no tolerance for those that hold opposing political beliefs. Penn Gillette spoke about a thought experiment he’s trying on the Tim Ferriss show where he tries not to use the words “us” or “them.” Instead, he would say “those of us.” It could be used as “those of us that voted for __” or “those of us that chose to participate in a protest.” This change of language is powerful. We are a part of the human race and people will make decisions that we don’t understand or don’t agree with but we are all doing life together. To be this divided and carry so much hatred towards our fellow humans is not healthy for our country, our health, or our relationships.

Changing our language can help us feel united. Compassion and kindness are the two things that will bridge the divide.