Wordplay Wednesday™ February 08, 2017 – Excuse Reason

2-fer Wordplay! No Apologies … 

Every now and then it’s good to step away from the norm and explore where few men and women dare to go … the subtleties of the English language.

It’s happened to the best of us—and of late, the worst. Confronted with criticism or need of defense (think negative viral Twitter rants), we stammer apologetically or backtrack hypocritically. These days, rarely do we “own” our statements.

 

This points to a seldom explored problem of our language. Too many times we speak without thinking (again, Twitter), or knowing, the vital difference between two similar words. One can be weak and defensive, the other strong and decisive. Shouldn’t you know the dissimilarity?

When confronted, do you make an …

EXCUSE: (ek skyōōsʹ) n. – 1) a plea in defense of or explanation for some action or behavior, [i.e.] apology; 2) a release from obligation, duty, etc.; 3) something that excuses …; 4) a pretended reason for conduct, [i.e.] pretext … well, you get the idea! [2-fer WW #98; bolding and underline are mine.]

OR offer a logical … 

REASON: (rēʹzɘn) n. – 1) an explanation or justification of an act, idea, etc.; 2) a cause or motive; 3) the ability to think, form judgments, draw conclusions, etc.; 4) sound thought or judgment, [i.e.] good sense; 5) normal mental powers, [i.e.] a sound mind, sanity … wow. [2-fer WW #98.]

While often used interchangeably to clarify a comment or action, according to Webster, these are two very different words. One is a pathetic pretense, the other is resolute in its logic and strength.

Many of you who think you have a reason, are truly offering only an excuse. Others are told to quit giving lame excuses, when they actually have a valid reason.

Perhaps it’s in the delivery. Have you thought of that?  

If your voice raises an octave or two in response (and yes, oddly enough that can also be detected on Twitter), and sounds like it’s pinched between two four-hundred-pound weights, even if you have a valid reason, it will be perceived as a whiny excuse.

Consider carefully, the subtle differences between an excuse and a reason—which one best expresses the method to your madness? Or, is silence truly golden and no explanation is better than an excuse?

That leaves your reason in the hands—and minds—of others. If you don’t speak, others will squeak for you. (Yes, I meant “squeak.” It will be their whiny excuse offered in place of your possible good reason.)

We all know the adage “think before you speak”* (or act). Oh, so much easier said than done! Alternatively, know that what you’re saying could be misconstrued and be ready with your reason for saying it—a well thought out and logical motive. (Well, it is in your mind anyway. J)

The best defense of word or action is confidence in your reasons. Give them credence and validity, with a firm, calm voice and viable justification.

Want to be taken seriously in your job, relationship, or dreams? Provide a substantial reason, not an erratic excuse.

Word Challenge: EXCUSE or REASON? You’ll enjoy life more without excuses, when you own your reasons. Have fun applying these very different words to your week of inexcusable writings.

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

                       

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

Facebook

*This is an especially poignant comment on bullying and not thinking before speaking; an article by Jill Tomac, “Think Before You Speak: 5 Ways to Help You Choose Your Words Wisely,” on Maria Shriver’s website, Igniting Architects of Change.

# # #

Wordplay Wednesday™ February 01, 2017 – Monocolor

Monocolor: color madness in a chaotic world  

On rare occasions I get on my soapbox—usually when the world’s news has exasperated me to distraction. My muse goes into overdrive and my mind slides into the computer. I can’t stop it!

I know my voice is a whisper on the wind, compared to those of the loudmouth know-it-all celebs and politicos. I’m just a nobody know-it-all.

But, I may as well share, since I spent so much time writing it … though someone will certainly misinterpret my words; blow them all out of proportion, and send me into permanent hibernation. Wait a minute—that isn’t such a bad idea …

You may think you know what this week’s word means. You might feel I oversimplify a complex issue. But let me put a different thought on it as we apply it to people …

MONOCHROME: (mänʹɘ krōmʹ) n. – 1) a painting, drawing, design, or photograph in black and white, or in shades of one color often with black or white;2) the art or process of making these; adj. – of or having to do with a single color … [the bolding and italics are mine, hint, hint; WW #97].

Black and White, White vs. Black—but as people, what are we, really? We’ve battled our differences since the beginning of time. To what end? Add a little brown, yellow … throw in some rainbow colors. Has no one thought to create a monochrome blend?

Black and White are supposed to describe certain ethnicities. But in this blended world I think we’ve outgrown those terms. They have become impossible definitions that we continue to chase around the globe. Again, for what purpose?

Hardly monochrome 

A Black person may seem relatively easy to define. Per Webster (in part): “designating or of any of the dark-skinned traditional inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, or Melanesia or their descendants in other parts of the world.”

While Whites—Caucasians—are more of an enigma now than ever, in the history of racial profiling. The dictionary states (in part): “a person with a light-colored skin; Caucasoid.” A tad on the ambiguous side don’t you think?

I am an admitted Caucasian—as dictated by our government—“White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as ‘White’ or report entries such as Irish, German, Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or Caucasian.”

We “Caucasians” have quietly accepted and used our official designation since the late 1700s. After just skimming the surface of this issue however, I’m objecting.

If you read the light exploration into “Caucasian race” on Wiki, you’ll find arguments abound and the definition across centuries and sciences is ill-defined. All ethnicities can have light-colored skin members; doesn’t that make the official definitions of all races erroneous from the get-go?

Even within the same family—my mother’s heritage is Irish and she had olive skin and black curly hair—I appeared with auburn hair and great skin that tans easily (thanks mom!). My dad was of Austrian/German descent. So what does that say about us?

And what of those folks who are lovely shades of brown, tan, or ivory—through natural evolution or enjoyable romps in the hay? Methinks we have diluted the melting pot.

Over the course of the past century, African Americans have eschewed the term Black. Are there anymore “Black” people, or have they all disappeared into the African American reference?

Even after millennia, we can’t agree on any true and definitive basis for “race discrimination”—why not celebrate monochrome and the diversities that brings in common understanding—rather than vilify each other for our differences?

Honestly, any nuances in any race are important only to those in that designation. The rest of us are busy with our own discrepancies.

If we were monochrome …