We spend a lot of time listening to words, promises – from politicians guaranteeing us a better country, from supermarkets and chains promising us the best deals, and from family and friends.
To some of these promises we’re quite cynical – perhaps in the aforementioned order! But some of these words we take at face value, we believe what we are told. Because why would somebody say they would do something, or feel something, or think something, if they don’t? Words are the best way we have of expressing how we feel – how much, or how little someone or something means, or what we think! Words are some of the most important tools we have.
But in some ways, this is our downfall. Words are easy, and those of us who are used to using words can indeed use them as tools. We can easily tell people what they want to hear, we convince them using language. But it is the actions that bely us – the “follow-up”. Without this, the words are empty. What has happened in America? Do people feel Barack Obama was full of words, just words? And our very own coalition government? Again, do we feel promises were made that have not been carried out? It’s not just the words – they are only a part of the package.
And what happens when we only have the words? We feel let down, conned, lied to. We feel like it was all a sham, that the promises were all too easily made, but that the sentiments didn’t quite extend to the hard work that the actions would require. It cheapens the promises, it leaves a bitter taste in our mouths, and it makes us step-by-step just that little bit more cynical.
It’s not just the words that count – it’s what comes next.
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