111508: Words. I’m sure this isn’t the first blog I’ve titled "words".

I remember two summers ago, I did a presentation in front of people from the city on the power of words. I never realized until today my passion for words. The correct use of words, the absence of words, the necessity of the word and the severity of the word.

A simple word like "stupid", for instance. If I do something unintelligible, then by all means, call me stupid. I would in no way be offended. But if I do something, say, disrespectful, then do NOT call me stupid. Call me disrespectful, and I will step back and apologize. Call me stupid and I will step forward while rolling up my sleeves. I have a problem when people use words out of context. At least call me what I am, then I can't deny it.

The absence of a word can be a beautiful thing, as well as a savior for those who speak before thinking. The absence of one word may be the presence of many other words. It allows the listener or receiving end to create their own string of words, their own thoughts, their own conclusions. Silences are room for digestion. Let what has already been spoken regurgitate and sink in. Contemplate. Think for once. Shut up and just think.

Severity of words can mean a lot. A lot of times, people use words without even realizing the impact it can make. Simple words like "gay" or extreme words like "nigga". People defend themselves by saying "oh it's a joke" or "oh I don't mean it like that", but verbatim, it's never funny. Word for word, taking only context into consideration, that becomes vulgar, disrespectful, rude, inconsiderate and completely unnecessary.

I don't even remember what sparked enough in me to write this. I even forgot my point. Other than just be responsible with your words, use them correctly, use them when necessary and don't say shit when you don't have to. Watch what the fuck you're saying, because when you grow up in a place like the dirty dino, you learn that one wrong word, or any word at all for the matter, is the difference between walking home safely or walking home with a black eye and some missing teeth. Watch what the fuck you're saying, because I take every word, big, small, adjective, noun, verb, into consideration. It makes all the difference in the amount of respect I have, or don't have, for you.