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Sometimes we get so caught up in language, and 'this' word and 'that' word, that we lose site of the bigger problems in the world. At one time, the word 'Bitch' simply meant female dog. Now, it has a negative meaning. Many negative words in one time and/or culture are meaningless in another. We've got to stop wasting time fighting over nonsense. I'm still waiting for aliens to come

George Clinton#7

CultureLanguagePoliticsPrioritiesSociety

About this quote

What does it mean?
We waste time arguing over words that change meaning across cultures instead of focusing on real problems.
In plain terms
Stop fighting over shifting language and address bigger issues.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize substantive problems over semantic disputes.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • online arguments

Putting it to work

  • focus on policy
  • contextual understanding

Questions to consider

  • What issues are we neglect because of language debates?

Another view

Words can shape perception, so dismissing them entirely may ignore their power.

More from George Clinton

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