They.

This is a bit of a different post than usual, more philosophical and serious. So go ahead and skip it if you like.

"They" is an extremely dangerous word. Okay so yes, it's a very useful word in the English language and I don't think we should abolish it altogether. However, I do think we should think twice (or thrice depending on your tendency to rashness) before we say it.

"They" can be used in a pretty scary way, and I think that this is especially apparent in a politically charged atmosphere (I would say ours, but being one who has studied history, this is not the first politically charged atmosphere, and it definitely won't be the last). And it is used on both sides of the spectrum, conservatives and liberals alike. I recently saw a politically charged picture on facebook that ended with "Yes, they're that stupid." They? All of them? Are that stupid? Who the heck is they? Am I they? Because what if I consider myself a part of the group they are referring to but the specific blame they are placing on this elusive "they" isn't something I said, thought, or even considered?

It's just such a catch all word, you need to be careful with it.

It's not, however, only in politics that this word can be used unwisely. It's a natural word to be used in blaming, simply because it is so imprecise. When you can take a problem and blame it on "them" or say "they did it", you can simultaneously focus your anger while also staying away from the falsity of blaming an innocent person or group of people. It's elusive, everyone is blamed while simultaneously no one is blamed. So it is both inflammatory and inefficient. That seems useless.

I believe precision in words is important. I believe that the more precise and thoughtful we are in our words, the better relationships we will have, the better decisions we will make, and the better outcomes we will enjoy.

I think "they" and "them" is also a common way for people to express their feelings of victimization. Feelings that are valid, but feelings that I think dissipate once that person realizes that "they" don't exist and that you have more control over your existence than you have ever realized. One of my favorite songs is called "Advice from Them" by Aaron Espe and the lyrics convey a plea to not worry about this indefinable "them".

They'll sneak away your soul and you won't even know

They'll make you cross the line and you won't find your way back this time

So don't you take advice from them

"They", "Them", "Society" doesn't have to affect you. But "they" can. If you let them.