Maxine Harris, Ph.D.
As clinicians, we are trained to believe that words make a difference. If a woman views her boyfriend as being strong, powerful, assertive and tough, she might dismiss (overlook or disregard) his rough gestures or his provocative talk. If, however, she sees the very same behavior as domineering, forceful, or heavy-handed, she may identify him as an abuser with a dangerous temper, and may lead her to see his gestures and his talk as the beginning of a cycle that will ultimately lead to violence. By using these words----violent, abusive, dangerous---- to understand his behavior, the woman might be willing to take action that could keep her and her children safe from a violent attack. Words are not interchangeable. The way we label our behavior and the behavior of others has a profound impact on how we act and react.
Recently we have all been witness to a prime example of how words can lead us to different interpretations of and responses to the same set of events. Political writers have used a range of medical metaphors to explain the current financial crisis. Some have likened it to a life-threatening infection---acute, severe, requiring large doses of medication and likely to respond quickly if the right medicine is administered. Others have told us that it is more like a heart condition----arteries are blocked and need to be purged of toxic material. Just get a good surgeon, do a by-pass or a good cleaning and we can expect a full recovery in several months. You can see how each of these metaphors suggests a certain course of illness, a type of radical intervention, and a time-line for recovery.
As a cancer survivor and a lover of words, let me suggest an alternative metaphor. When you are diagnosed with cancer you are often presented with a range of treatment options. They may be staged, surgery first then chemotherapy. They may be used simultaneously, radiation and chemo at the same time. Each treatment can take months, not days, and you may not know if you have actually responded to the treatment for a long period of time. If one treatment does not work, you may opt for a second intervention. Surgery may be a one-time prospect or it may need to be repeated. You need to be patient and hopeful and determined to deal with cancer, but millions of us have lived through the treatment and now proudly call ourselves survivors. Perhaps the same patience, hopefulness and determination are just what we need if we are to beat this economic crisis that all of us are currently facing. The words we use do make a difference.
Disclaimer
The contents of this blog reflect the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Community Connections and its management.