55.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Making sense of words in the 21st Century

Jack E. Brush

For years I have relied on my Webster dictionary to provide me with clear definitions of unfamiliar terms, but recently I have discovered that my 1997 edition is practically useless. In reading the daily news, I continually come across words and phrases that apparently have a meaning unknown to Webster. Consider these for instance: white supremacist, toxic masculinity, misogynist, racist, homophobic, xenophobic, anti-Semitic and the list goes on. Now astute readers will immediately object that some of these words actually do occur in Webster. That’s true. But check the meanings listed in Webster, and then compare them with the way in which the words are used in our political discourse and daily parlance. Given the current usage of language, I may well find that I fall into almost all of these unpleasant categories.

If I think that Sir Isaac Newton was one of the greatest physicists of all times, and if I praise Ronald Reagan for his economic policies, I’m a white supremacist.

If I liked John Wayne movies as a young boy, I have clearly been poisoned by toxic masculinity.

If I didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton in the last presidential election, I’m a misogynist.

If I don’t think that Maxine Waters is ready for the Nobel Peace Prize, I’m a racist.

If I am opposed to caravans of immigrants illegally entering our country, I am without doubt a racist and a xenophobe.

If I should ever criticize Netanyahu’s policies, I will be branded anti-Semitic.

And worst of all: If I choose to vote Republican, then I must be just plain stupid!

Then everybody knows that all of the smart people are Democrats. I have heard that very smart people can be very rude and uncooperative; their intellect elevates them above the normal decorum of everyday life. By this reckoning, Jim Acosta must be a very smart man. Apropos uncooperative, it must be a mark of great intellect that Chuck Schumer demands the recusal of Matthew Whitaker, although President Trump has offered support to Nancy Pelosi. Maybe I would understand the Democrats better, if I were to buy myself a pair of reading half glasses and wear them all the time. At least I would look more intellectual. And if I had a dictionary of the 21st Century, I would surely know that “misogynist” no longer means “hater of women”, but rather “Trump supporter”. 

But for now, I must resign myself to mediocrity, refrain from any rude comments or uncooperative gestures, and simply wish everyone, Democrats and Republicans alike: Happy Thanksgiving. As far as I know, “Thanksgiving” still means “Thanksgiving”!   

Jack E. Brush is a Villager and a frequent contributor to Villages-News.com

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.