Old Words, Same Ol' New Meaning
It's August 2020. We are living through/in/during a worldwide pandemic, social injustices, protests, civil discourse, social and political movements, coin shortages, tissue shortages, tech advances, and a whole lot more. How much of it are we truly understanding? I mean, something new is being hurled at us nearly each waking day. There are words and phrases being tossed around like penny candy. It's as if the journalists and the more conscious people have a contest going: who can use the word of the day the most? They are old words, with the same ol' new meanings. It's just that the world is now listening to and paying more attention to everything that's being said and done. If you are having some anxiety about what's being said and wanting a better understanding, I can help you. Below is my juxtaposition of the dictionary or formal meaning and my connotation of a few words we are hearing more and more of these days. #1 - Systemic Racism (aka Institutional Racism) is a form of racism that is embedded as normal practice within society or an organisation. the juxt of #systemicracism: oppressive people doing what they do and have always done; keeping black people down. #2 - Disenfranchisement - the state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote. the juxt of it : don't let black people do it. #3 - Racial Disparity - is defined as existing in the criminal justice system when "the proportion of a racial/ethnic group within the control of the system is greater than the proportion of such groups in the general population." the juxt of it: The percentage of mistreated black people in prison (or the justice system itself) is higher than the actual percentage of mistreated black people in the United States. #4 - Social Injustice A violation of one’s civil rights that could inhibit the ability to realize full potential and ultimately impede one’s career success. the juxt of it, in an improper grammar: you really ain't gonna win black people. #5 - Marginalized - to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group. the juxt of it; Stay down black people, you don't mean much. #6 - Propaganda - ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause. the juxt of it: Listen to what we tell you and believe it cause it's true cause we said it and it's true. #7 - Protest - a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something. Fact: The First Amendment gives you the right to assemble and express your views through protest. (peacefully is best) the juxt of it: No Justice! No Peace! #8 - Black Lives Matter - The official #BlackLivesMatter Global Network builds power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe. the juxt of it: # PERIODT! #9 - Juneteenth - Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. the juxt of it, and you know this one: Fourth of what? or F@#! the 4th! #10 - Cancel Culture - refers to the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. Cancel culture is generally discussed as being performed on social media in the form of group shaming. the juxt of it: You are not invited to the cookout! Disclaimer: The italicized text is not my own. Click on the word itself to further investigate and understand the meaning. Again, the "juxt of it" is my personal understanding. Also, juxt is not a word found in Merriam-Webster's dictionary; however, it is found in the Urban dictionary and is acceptable for word games . 😁 Leave comments, critiques, and suggestions below.