Hyperbole
is alive and well. We are in the midst of inflated discourse in the
most ordinary exchanges from the political ring to the talk radio
echo chamber to ordinary conversation. When I say “I simply love
that blouse on you!” or “I adore that shoe, glove and purse
combination!”, what I am really saying is that I agree with and
admire your sense of style! From my point of view you are doing
something right and I am not going to be shy about complimenting you.
We all know that this exaggeration is for effect and an expression of
exuberance. These enthusiasms deserve to be shared and they can act
as much as a tonic for a blue mood as for chronic depression. We
ought to be encouraging one another, don't you think? Consider it a
figure of speech if it goes a little bit overboard. It's the spirit
of the remark that really counts.
I
hope it brightens your day and heightens your confidence to hear,
“That color is divine for you and really makes your gorgeous eye
color even more attractive!” Most of us have enough self-awareness,
especially at a certain age, to know all about our physical faults
and defects that don't quite measure up to the highest standards of
glamour stardom. This self-imposed critical judgment we may feel
keenly or not, depending on our innate sensitivity and tolerance for
social (dis)approval. Some people wear their confidence outwardly and
appear to be models of self-assurance and may never reveal their own
inner insecurity. That doesn't mean a well-aimed compliment isn't
welcomed. Often it is desperately needed; to err on the side of
hyperbole does no harm and can in fact be very beneficial.
This
lively expressiveness can have a dark side however when we announce
displeasure. Bald statements such as “I hate blue” or ”I hate
parsnips” leave no allowance for shades of meaning and are potent
pronouncements which, as hyperbole, are not so lightly dismissed. For
some reason, that word “hate” has insinuated itself into our
discussions as commonly acceptable speech. My feeling is that the
word ought to be reserved within our inner well of dark matter and be
dispensed with some stinginess. Reserve your hate for racism, Nazism
and starvation. Save that hyperbole for things that really matter and
not just for sports opponents or people with Massachusetts license
plates or strip mall developers. The power of this word has infected
our discourse to such a degree that it actually stirs up totally
misplaced animosity and encourages divisiveness. Hate puts you
solidly in one intractable camp with all those who don't agree on the
other side. Its casual use has promoted distrust, disbelief and
wariness of the “Other” - that person outside your group of
association. This cannot be good for civilization when the word
“hate” is so generously dispensed. The unintended consequence of
it its overuse cannot bode well and gives permission to others to use
it freely as well.
I
love my hyperbole and my metaphors sunny side up.
Kisses forever,
Celeste
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