I’ve noticed something occurring with increased regularity. There is a word being grossly misused in everyday conversations, millions of comments on social media, and even in the speeches of government officials. It typically occurs when there are interactions between politically left-leaning and right-leaning individuals. It is the misuse of the word “bigot” and its cousin, “racist”.
While there are truly bigoted and racist people who exist, these two words are being tossed around so frequently that they have begun to lose their true meaning. It appears to be a way for people to quickly end a discussion that was not headed in the direction they intended, or it’s flippantly tossed out in a Facebook post as a cheap way to “win” an argument.
Someone has a different religious view than you? Call them a bigot! Someone does not agree with the actions of our current government? Call them a bigot to end that discussion quickly and effectively!
One can hardly blame people for using these words because it seems to work so well, but let’s get honest here. Just because you disagree with someone does not make them a bigot! Just because someone has a different political or religious view than you does not make them a bigot or a racist!
So please, for the sake of true debate and thoughtful discussion, let’s save these words for when they truly need to be used.
And, while we’re at it, could we please bring Logic and Debate Club back into schools so the future generations have a hope at forming coherent arguments and discussing rationally?
Andrea Veldkamp, St. Albert
