When people need to eat their own words

I taught a very poorly organized spring elective on language and culture this past year; I'd like to say that while the purpose was great, the means of getting there was not, and I found that I had not executed or thought out how to accomplish my goals more effectively--that I believe I missed out in conveying the intent of doing such activities, or getting my students to think about the very things I hoped they would walk away with. But at some point, I had to stop and ask myself if I was crystal clear on what that point was, and it was precisely then, when I really struggled to accept how and what it was I had done, and whether or not I could be proud of this course. The kids loved it. there were some really great discussions, many insights made and I also believe that they are more conscious of what they say, how they say things and why they say it at all. I think they are also more conscious about the way that technology, culture, and society have shaped their lives.

That said, I find myself in a place of utter frustration-especially in a certain situation when people throw something out into the abyss of public space. What more is there to be said about the conscious decision that one makes about writing or expressing thought in the open? I know, we can go into detail and end up in a circular or spiraling discussion about this; how you never can be prepared, how everyone is entitle to share his or her own opinions freely, how intentions are never fully realized until something is out there, and so on. But I guess I am concerned about the responsibility or the weight of responsibility that is played out on a person. And I only urge those who feel that they should be able to write with abandon, to really think about the way that this world has turned.

As my professor used to say, "we live in an age of 30-second soundbytes", so the way technology has spun the web of our lives to become so much more convenient, has also muddied the place of interpretation. I don't mean to be on putting myself on a high horse, and I don't claim to be one who is holier than thou. NOT AT ALL. If anything I am fraught with error and lack of clarity. But I have to question when someone is not willing to take up that responsibility...

I guess I might have potentially dug myself a big hole--and I guess, feel free to come and throw your snakes into the pit. But I guess to get back to my point, think about what you say, do what you say and believe, and make sure you can always qualify or fully clarify what you mean. Expression and language can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be real pain in the ass if you aren't careful enough. Trust me, I'm still learning that lesson.

Think before you speak; the verbal diarrhea of thought in process can often lead to a really big stink.

haha. (uhm, that was my own conjuring! don't steal it-give credit where it's due!)

some thoughts from a wise website:

"Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. . . . They do not mean to do harm. . . . They are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves."
— T.S. Eliot, Anglo-American poet (1888-1965)

“The measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.”
— Baron Thomas Babington Macauley, English historian and statesman (1800-1859)

"No change of circumstances can repair a defect of character."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1880)

"Few men think, yet all will have opinions."
— George Berkeley, Irish bishop and empirical philosopher (1685-1753)