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
Celeste
