10/31/2024
Seeing the word “𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁" used in local and federal political ads got me thinking about how powerful and loaded our language can be. Terms like this were once associated with actions that caused fear and loss on a massive scale. Yet now, they’re being directed toward political opponents—our neighbors. How did we get here? What if, instead, our political discussions respected differences without criminalizing them? I’d love to hear thoughts on how we can hold media and campaigns to a higher standard, one that strengthens our sense of community rather than undermining it. Here’s to hoping for a more thoughtful, united approach in the future.