Black Lives Matter – Word Choice Matters

Posted On July 14, 2020

Have you ever thought about the significance of one small word? Today, that word for me was too. A common meaning of too is also.

Let’s consider the current slogan Americans are arguing about right now as I write. Black Lives Matter. I don’t know how this slogan was selected but I have wondered if it is meant to be inclusive or exclusive. I believe it would have been far more effective if the word too had been added. Black Lives Matter Too. That small word lets me know that some people feel that black lives don’t matter as much as other lives without excluding the importance of the other lives. It brings a unity to the slogan instead of a division.

“Whether the vessel is a legal document or a rap song, language is often chosen to exclude. To use a scholarly phrase, “discourse communities” are often gated, so it’s the good writer’s job to offer readers a set of keys.” – Peter Roy Clark, a nationally known teacher of writing

All the hateful things I read on the internet and hear on the news indicate that many interpret Black Lives Matter as really, Black Lives Matter Too while others, interpret it to mean that other lives are less significant. It is also apparent to me that many who believe in the campaign want to cause the divide; that is how they receive more attention. Unfortunately, I think the slogan is hurting their cause rather than helping it.

I don’t agree with the argument that it should be changed to All Lives Matter. All Lives Matter does not highlight the problem of racial discrimination. By just adding the word Too, that idea would have been conveyed and caused less tension.

Since I have chosen to have a blog, word choice is probably on my mind more than the average person. But I think everyone needs to be aware of their word choice; especially Christians who are using social media to express their views. The importance of word choice is written about numerous times in the bible. Let’s look at some of them and consider whether you are following the guidance of the scriptures when you write and speak. All verses are from the New International Version.

Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

Proverbs 18:20 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Proverbs 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

“James 1: 26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

James 3: 9-10 “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”

Matthew 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Are you using your words as God instructs? Are they conveying the Spirit of God within you? Are they conveying what you mean?

I am a white, older woman with conservative christian views. I am the proud aunt of two white police officers and the proud aunt of three bi-racial children whom I’m sure have experienced racial discrimination. I choose to believe we can improve racial relations by believing that Black Lives Matter Too but I do not support the Black Lives Matter movement because it appears to be trying to be devisive rather than unifying.

Martin Luther King’s words, “I have a dream,” inspired and unified. Many positive changes were made regarding racial descrimination. They were spoken decades ago, but most who heard them remember them and are still inspired by them. He was a great example of what the power of words can do. We all need to get back to following his example as we tackle this divisive problem.