The first story is about two Miami Dolphins' players exchanging words one says was bullying and the other calls it "just locker room talk".

Another story concerns the Washington Redskins. Some say the name is racist. The owner says it's a "badge of honor". Haven't heard if Chiefs, Indians, Braves, Warriors or Cowboys have similar polarity. In any case, we know labels that were originally a common term, and maybe even a sign of respect, can become offensive, or at least obsolete.

That brings me to a discussion I had with a friend recently. We were discussing words we use to define who we are or what we believe. I suggested that many labels confine, rather than define.

Confine means "To keep within bounds; restrict", while define means "To describe the nature of; to explain". Perhaps that's what's going on in politics today. Political labels seem to represent "boundaries", restricting conversations, compromises and results.

Communication can be tricky. We find that out frequently when something we say is misconstrued. Are the labels (and words) you use restricting or explaining? Are they received the way you intended?

Here's an example of a phrase having different meanings: In a recent project exchange, someone said "it's not rocket science". A commonly used phrase that, to many (and him), means "this is not too complicated for us, we can do it." Another person was offended, citing the words as demeaning. Ouch!

So, before you blog, tweet or post anything check your words and labels. Consult a dictionary or Google descriptive words or phrases. Watch out for double meanings and labels that elicit boundaries. If you're not sure, test it on some colleagues.

I know. It seems, as a society, we've become overly sensitive, too "PC", too polarized. If we could just "lighten up" a bit. Another idea: if you receive words or labels that offend you, ask the sender what they meant by their choice of  words. Maybe they had a different meaning than what you interpreted.

INSPIRATION:    What are you thankful for?

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George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789. It has been an annual holiday in the United States since 1863.

Traditionally it's a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal and reflect on what they're thankful for.

Commercialization may threaten the tradition part, but The Dash video is a great reminder of the important things in life...
      ... and it's just 165 seconds.

OR

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

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