Archive for August, 2011

Thirty-something years ago, I was a student at Kilgore College. I did a wonderful job of keeping myself out of Phi Theta Kappa, but I had a good time, and I had the chance to meet a host of wonderful people. Many of these people would have an impact on me later on. Anita Neely was one of those. She was the advisor for Gamma Omicron, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Kilgore College. Always encouraging in class, she served as role model for me when I became a college instructor. Years later she would be a mentor of sorts when I became a chapter advisor. More important, she told me how proud she was of me, and congratulated each achievement as I became more-and-more involved, and as I sought out ways to serve the society.

I also met James A. while there. James was a mountain of a man, big hearted, friendly, always ready to share a joke or a smile. James’ nickname was “Chinaman.” Don’t know why, but that’s how he was introduced to me. One day James made the comment that he really didn’t care for that nickname, the first time I had ever noticed a sense of sadness in James. The next day, I called him “James,” his given name. He looked at me, smiled, and told me “thank you!” It seemed such a simple thing on my part, but the reaction that it brought about connected with me at a deep level.

Flash forward to today, and I learn of the passing of a beautiful young woman, Kristen. She went to school with my oldest daughter from junior high on. 26 years old, and her life is gone. For 13 years Kristen battled anorexia nervosa, and this week the battle ended, Kristen lost. Anthropologically speaking, anorexia is classified as an ethnic psychoses—a condition brought on by the culture in which you find it. In our culture we have developed a very warped and dangerous view of what is beautiful. Issues of weight and looks bombard us from our youngest years on. Sometimes these images have tragic consequences, and a young, beautiful woman loses a battle with a demon not of her making.

So what’s my point? Simply this: think about what you say. As we wrap-up our two year run with the current Honors Study Topic, think carefully about the power the democratization of information can have. Our words have the ability to alter lives. We can encourage, support, mentor, or model ideal behavior. Words have the power to make people feel better. The seemingly innocent nickname may be hurtful, and the simple gift of using someone’s name properly may have wonderful repercussions. And words have the power to do more than just hurt. A racial slur is meant to harm. Seemingly innocent remarks about weight, looks, dress, and so on may seem well intentioned, but may go on to have very serious consequences.

Think about what you say and how you say it. Support, encourage, mentor, love, defend, honor, and a host of other positive things. Do not use your words to hurt, harm, belittle, or put down. Be careful how you address issues. What some may see as constructive criticism may have life altering effects on others. Use your words carefully. There is power in words, and how we choose to use that power makes all the difference in the world.

Dr. Randal Allison is a Professor of Anthropology and advisor to the Alpha Phi Lambda chapter at Blinn College-Bryan. He is the History/Social Sciences Representative to the Honors Program Committee.