When People use Words to Create Chaos
By josefina
@josie_ (10034)
Philippines
October 3, 2022 2:55am CST
From so-called world leaders to neighborhood gossip, the misuse of words continues to wreak havoc on the lives of people. "Fake news" is nothing new. It just became easier to spread in today's digital age.
Research shows most people are honest but still, on average they lie about once or twice per day. Not necessarily the lies used by scammers and con artists but the small white lies. These lies we usually consider harmless. We use them to get out of unpleasant situations or not to hurt the feelings of others. But this is not always the case.
Early last evening we had some unwanted entertainment. Two neighbors were in a heated argument that required the mediation of our local barangay (community) leader. We found out later the cause was gossip that spread about an alleged sexual impropriety of one of the people involved in the quarrel. Turned out to be false.
Have you ever been a victim of gossip?
15 people like this
12 responses
@LadyDuck (471421)
• Switzerland
3 Oct 22
Gossip can create difficult situation. We have one woman in our small community who tends to badmouth everyone in the area. I never stop talking to her and I notice the others do the same.
I have never been a victim of gossip. When we moved here, for a few weeks we still had the plate of Monte Carlo on our car. The neighbors, at first, called me "the French lady".
4 people like this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
In a small community, gossiping about the neighbors often becomes a pastime. We call it small talk usually in social affairs or gatherings involving non-controversial matters. Unfortunately, familiarity often makes people careless and loosens tongues. You must have been the topic of intriguing gossip given that Monte Carlo is a place for the rich and famous.
4 people like this
I'm pretty sure you love "French fries"
@LadyDuck (471421)
• Switzerland
3 Oct 22
@hexeduser22 I lived 31 years in Monte Carlo, I was surely not offended to be called "French". The real French fries are good, not the garbage fries of the fast food.
2 people like this
@hexeduser22 (7419)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
That was very brave of you. Good thing you were able to clarify things.
2 people like this
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
Gossip is extremely harmful and drives people insane. The propagation of misinformation may go quite far thanks to digital technology, and as information is shared from one person to another, it can also be altered. It is regrettable that gossip, whether it be political, religious, or simply casual, is so pervasive today.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
How true. But I was intrigued when you included the field of religion where gossip occurs. Unless you consider false teaching a form of gossip. As an atheist, this premise not only has me fully in agreement with you but it also gave rise to an unexpected chuckle.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136541)
• India
4 Oct 22
The tendency to praise one on one's face and save to say bad things about that person when they are not around is global to my knowledge.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136541)
• India
4 Oct 22
@josie_ You may also try to find out who gossips more men or women. I think men. I had a boss who knew everything about everyone from the ground floor to the top 10th floor (lol)
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
4 Oct 22
@allknowing That's called micro-management not gossiping but just as bad. Not because I'm a woman and biased but men gossip more. I think they call it "intelligence gathering".
Not because I'm a woman and biased but men gossip more. I think they call it "intelligence gathering".1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26684)
• Singapore
3 Oct 22
If someone gossips about others, they sure will do so about us too.
They only devalue themselves in the eyes of others and relish the company of only those who are similar to them.
I try not to encourage such and keep a safe distance from them.
2 people like this
@hexeduser22 (7419)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
I try to stay out of people's business that doesn't really have any direct importance to me or my family. So far, I have never been a victim of any gossip, or if there were any gossip about me or my family, we usually don't give a fuss as long as it is not putting us in danger or anything.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10034)
• Philippines
3 Oct 22
People with malice in their heart gossip mainly for two reasons. Jealousy and power. Jealousy is often the motive of gossip targeted against those who are better off than the rumor spreader. Possessing secret information about another person also gives them a sense of power.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16397)
• Raurkela, India
3 Oct 22
I have also been a victim of gossip but never cared about it. You have to be tough about it.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
3 Oct 22
Something spreading through the word of mouth is the fastest way. Gossips spread like fire and while most of the times they are harmless, at times they can be really damaging to someone emotionally and mentally.
I have never been a victim of gossip. And I just don't like to be involved with any gossip. I avoid the person if I know that he/she loves to gossip.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
3 Oct 22
@josie_ I totally agree there
. I never feel safe around such people.If they can gossip about others to me, I am sure they will gossip about me to others. Better to stay clear. I just cut the conversation and don't encourage it when I sense that there is a gossip coming up
. I never feel safe around such people.If they can gossip about others to me, I am sure they will gossip about me to others. Better to stay clear. I just cut the conversation and don't encourage it when I sense that there is a gossip coming up1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (56486)
• Philippines
15 Nov 22
Gossip seems to a way of life in our country. Do you agree with that?
@Kawasaki01 (659)
•
3 Oct 22
Yes the first thing to do in this situation is to clarify and clear the false statement against us
1 person likes this
