
I’m writing a book tentatively titled, “They Ain’t Us – How to Heal a Divided and Polarized America Through a Revolution of Values.” Today’s post is an excerpt from a draft chapter of the book:
Words have power.
Spiritual traditions, psychological research, and historical evidence all confirm this fundamental truth. There are a couple of lines in the Bible that state, “By thy words you shall be justified, by thy words ye shall be condemned” (Matthew 12:37), and “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). These are not mere poetic expressions but profound insights into how language shapes reality.
In the modern world, where polarization approaches a breaking point, the power of words is more evident than ever—particularly in their capacity to dehumanize. Dehumanization is not an event but a process. It is a slow erosion, a deliberate shifting of people from the category of “us” to the category of “them.”
It begins with language—subtle shifts in the words used to describe people, especially those with whom people disagree. Over time, these shifts create a moral framework where certain groups are seen as less worthy of compassion, less deserving of rights, and, ultimately, less human.
How Dehumanization Works
Historically, every form of systemic oppression—from slavery to genocide—has been preceded by dehumanizing language. The process follows a predictable pattern:
Identification of a scapegoat: Leaders, media figures, or cultural influencers point to a group of people as the source of society’s problems. Whether it’s immigrants, political opponents, or marginalized communities, the message is clear: They are the reason you suffer.
The use of degrading language: Words like "vermin," "animals," "savages," "thugs," "illegals," or "super predators" strip away the humanity of those being targeted. They are no longer extended neighbors, citizens, or fellow humans—they become the other.
Moral exclusion: Over time, this rhetoric shifts public perception. Once a group is stripped of its humanity in language, it becomes easier to justify policies that strip them of their rights, safety, or lives. Internment camps, segregation, mass incarceration, and genocide have all followed this same trajectory.
Normalization of harm: When dehumanization takes root, violence, cruelty, and discrimination no longer provoke outrage. Instead, people see such reactions as justified responses to an "undeserving" group.
We see this play out in our modern discourse daily. Political opponents do not see each other as fellow Americans with different views; they are "traitors," "evil," or "the enemy." Asylum seekers are not families fleeing violence; they are “invaders.” Protesters are not citizens exercising their rights; they are “rioters” or “thugs.” The moment we buy into this language, we begin to lose our ability to see each other as human beings.
The Metaphysics of Words: Creating Reality Through Speech
From a spiritual perspective, words do not merely describe reality; they create it. In metaphysical teachings, the spoken word carries energetic power, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Words function like seeds planted in the collective consciousness—once spoken, they take root and manifest in the world. This is why so many spiritual traditions emphasize the power of language.
Spiritual teachings warn against reckless words because they shape our reality. When we speak words of hate, exclusion, and fear, we are not just expressing emotions—we are generating a world where those emotions become tangible.
Words have justified slavery, segregation, and racial terror in America. Enslaved Africans were called "property" rather than people, making their suffering seem acceptable. Jim Crow laws upheld the rhetoric that cast Black Americans as dangerous or inferior. Even today, some leaders and influencers speak words to paint entire communities as criminals to justify mass incarceration rather than address the causes of systemic inequality.
Healing the Divide: Using Words to Unite, Not Divide
If words can destroy, they also have the power to heal. We must become conscious of our language to move beyond polarization and division. We must reject dehumanizing words and instead use language that affirms our shared humanity.
Practice Skepticism Toward Dehumanizing Language: If a politician, media figure, or leader uses language that strips away someone's humanity, pause and question it. Ask yourself: What is the purpose of this rhetoric? Who benefits from this division?
Refuse to Engage in Dehumanization: When discussing those with whom we disagree, resist the urge to demonize. You can challenge someone’s ideas without stripping them of their dignity.
Use Language That Fosters Understanding: Instead of labeling people as "evil" or "monstrous," describe their actions specifically. Instead of calling an opponent an "idiot" or a "threat," explain what they have said or done that you find problematic.
Speak Life, Not Death: The words we speak shape our world. If we want a society built on justice, unity, and mutual respect, we must use language that reflects those values. Taking such a position does not suggest we avoid the truth; it means speaking in a way that allows for transformation rather than destruction.
Dehumanizing language chips away at our souls. Not just the soul of the person attacked but also the soul of the person speaking it. Every time we engage in dehumanization, we lose a piece of our humanity. Whenever we talk about life instead of hate, we reclaim it.
We must decide. Will we let our words build walls between us, or will we use them to build bridges? The future of our shared humanity depends on the answer.
Peace and Blessings,
James
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