Interpretation of language: Daily motivation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzjEzohHmaM

This video is one that I was introduced to last year. A high school teacher was trying to get my opinion on what theme to follow for a leadership organization. The message of “change your words, change your world” definitely seems to hold true.

The message signifies that language constructs our world. People read or interpret language differently. The lady in the video changed how people will view the old blind man. With the original sign, many people just walked past the old man probably because they thought he was just a lazy bum. The few people that did donate a few coins felt a sense of guilt because he was blind. After the sign was changed, people viewed the man as beautiful with a sense of purpose. He was no longer known as a bum, but a person who had some unfortunate aspects happen in his life and was striving for a better life. People still felt a sense of guilt, but for a different reason. The new reason was that this man has a disability that prevents him from seeing the beautiful word. This beautiful world can be “read” through the peaceful music, the people laughing, and the acts of kindness. This ideology of a beautiful word seems to be set up as relaxing.

The social construction of this piece is that many humans do not donate to people on the streets. I know that I was taught to help out when can, but to not give to the people asking me for money. Instead, I was supposed to offer them a hamburger. If they refused, then it can be assumed they were trying to scam me. This is probably why many people did not donated to the man in the first place. No one can tell if he is really blind or if it is just scam to get some extra cash(trust issues). Once the sign changed to the more meaningful sentence, people can knew that this man has pleasant values and does need help.

One object of this video is that an act of kindness can change the world. The lady changed the sign, so that the man may be viewed differently and get more help. This lady, as a subject, looks out for others and is kind hearted. Most kind hearted people will help a person if they sense any distress. Another object is that males are often reluctant to ask for help. Just think of when you are on a road trip and you are lost, all men refuse to ask for directions. The old man is also a subject because he is one who does not want to ask for help, but had no choice. I “read” the old man as very humble because of his facial expressions and soft tone of voice. He was also very thankful for the ladies kindness.

So just remember, language is interpreted. Think of how people are interpreting your language!