Navigating Our Different Languages

As the articles about how many of us are losing friends, family members and even spouses in this divided atmosphere in our country keep mounting and we realize we’re not alone in that, it’s time to look some reality dead in the face.

It’s the only way to turn the corner.

Based on actual conversations I’ve had, social media comments I’ve seen and articles I’ve read, it’s clear we’re speaking different languages now — MAGA Speak and Non-MAGA Speak. I’m laying out the differences in examples below. They’re not meant to be funny or sarcastic. They are mostly from, as I’ve said, real exchanges I’ve had or seen.

For many of us, the only way to move forward and see our way clear to progress, decency, and in some cases, sanity, is to acknowledge that those who are fluent in MAGA Speak are gone in a sense. They’ve left the building. You are not going to penetrate that narrative. Accept that. Agree to avoid politics and then vow to live your best life and be your best self. Volunteer, create, advocate, spread kindness, take a walk, seek out new things, read books, ski a daunting mountain or a bunny hill or whatever flips your switch. Be a good neighbor. Love fiercely.

What follows may feel like nothing new to some, but like a cold splash of water to the face for others. Well, there are actually a lot of splashes here…