Larry D. Lauer

It is easy to forget that even commonly used words mean different things to different people. Words evolve in meaning over time, and are also used in different ways in other cultures. They have been my business for over 40 years, and yet I still can forget how difficult it is to achieve clarity.

“Compromise” is one of those words.  It is a very negative word for many people.  It can mean you lost the argument, and are giving up your beliefs. But to others it can be a positive word, and mean you have reached a viable solution where everyone can go forward.

“Taxes” is another one of those words. For many paying taxes is a privilege. It’s what goes along with living in a society that builds and maintains roads, provides fire and police protection,  and establishes many other quality of life enhancing social services. For others,  however, it’s taking away their hard-earned income.

Still another such word is “capitalism.”  For many it means out-of-control greed.  It enables the few to enrich themselves at the expense of others.  But to many others it’s a word that goes hand-in-hand with freedom and opportunity.

“Democracy” to some means that the people at large make most decisions by majority vote. But to many others around the world it means various levels and kinds of participation in government. For example, it can mean being able to have “some say” in the process. But it also can mean participating  in a limited voting  process that is likely to result in establishing a dictatorial style leader.

Operating from the perspective of a clear “ideology” was pretty much a positive thing in the past. You always knew where someone was coming from on an issue. But today being an ideologue means you are an  “extremist”.  And this largely has been the consequence of a mean-spirited polarized political environment.

Even in higher education the term “church-related”  has different meanings. To some it means an opportunity to explore what you believe as a part of your education. But to others it means, “Those people will tell you what to think!”  

Words take on meanings from how we use them. Whatever they mean today they are likely to mean something else tomorrow.   Running a “deficit” to one person is synonymous with bankruptcy. But to another it is merely a necessary management process!  No wonder successful communication is so incredibly difficult.