If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

This prompt is so apropos. Why? Because, on Sunday, I had a conversation with a guy, albeit drunk guy, on the subject of Hate.

The guy (let’s call him James; not his real name) conversed alright initially, until we saw a Tesla CyberTruck drive by and I asked if he liked it and would like to own one. That was a mistake. He began seething on how he hates both Elon Musk and the President. I begged him to stop; that Hate is a strong word for anyone to use on another, and that I don’t want to hear any more of his rants. He fumed some more. I tried interjecting to change the subject, asked him to leave, or I’ll walk away. All that was unsuccessful. I then stopped talking after telling him that I’ll be praying for him.

Hate carries a deep-seated malice and a desire for harm. When spoken, it releases negative energy, ignites conflicts, and breeds resentment.

Once I said that, James ranted more about how much of a praying man he is; and how many times he prays daily, and informed me that he even prays more than I do. I chuckled and retorted that we need to know who he’s praying to. “Because if you pray as much as you just stated, there should be no hate in your heart.” He didn’t like that I chuckled. His next response kinda freaked me out: “you wanna see the devil?” I immediately put on my warrior cap: “Jesus is Lord; no room for any devil or demon here … the blood of Jesus is against all that. Now sober up or I’ll call 911/the Police.” James did a 360-degree turn and didn’t say another word. I should have called on Jesus sooner.

My daughters’ cautions

The above incident occurred with a random guy I had conversation with outside a coffee shop. It’s not unusual for me to strike conversations or offer help to strangers randomly. My daughters however have warned me to be cautious doing so, especially when I’m alone. My response has always been: the Lord is with me. I wasn’t afraid nor intimidated because it was an open space; the weather was beautiful and lots of people were at the beach nearby.

Ban Hate

Hate is a strong word that should be permanently banned from general usage. Saying you hate to be late or you hate black coffee is not the same as saying that you hate another human being. Saying it is also one thing. Having that hate consume James like it did is another that is, and should, not be tolerated. Banning it would be the best thing.

Reasons to Ban Hate

Hate is a four-letter word with the power to destroy lives, ruin relationships, divide nations, and even ruin the one using the word. It’s a word that has become far too commonplace, thrown around casually in conversations, on social media, and even in the headlines. Yet, its implications are profound and far-reaching. Should we continue to allow a word with such destructive power to exist in our everyday language? It’s time we consider banning it—not just from our vocabulary but from our hearts and minds.

The Weight of the Word

Hate is not just another synonym for “dislike” or “annoyance.” It carries a deep-seated malice and a desire for harm. When spoken, it releases negative energy, ignites conflicts, and breeds resentment. The word itself is a weapon, used to justify prejudice, discrimination, and even violence. Consider the hate crimes that scar communities, the hateful rhetoric that fuels wars, and the hateful words that break spirits. This is no ordinary word—it’s a spark that can set the world on fire.

Casual Use, Serious Consequences

The casual usage (of Hate) desensitizes us to the severity of the emotion it represents.

The problem isn’t just with those who harbor genuine hatred but also with the casual usage of the word. We say we “hate” traffic, homework, Mondays, or even people who simply annoy us. But this casual usage desensitizes us to the severity of the emotion it represents. It normalizes animosity and conditions us to express disdain rather than understanding. Imagine the difference if we chose words like “dislike,” “annoyed by,” or “frustrated with” instead. Our language would become more thoughtful, our expressions more measured, and our interactions more respectful.

A Word That Divides

Hate is the seed of division. It alienates people based on race, religion, gender, politics, and countless other factors. The mere existence of the word gives a label to a feeling that often leads to dehumanization. When we say we “hate” someone, we deny their humanity and reduce them to an object of contempt. This mindset is the breeding ground for prejudice, discrimination, and violence.

The Psychological Toll

Studies have shown that harboring hate affects not only the target but also the one who hates. It leads to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. Hate (like unforgivingness) is a poison that harms the vessel in which it is stored more than the object upon which it is poured. By banning this word, we take the first step toward cleansing ourselves of this toxic emotion.

A Call to Replace Hate with Hope

What if we replaced hate with words that build rather than destroy? What if, instead of saying we “hate” someone, we expressed our disagreement or disappointment constructively? What if, instead of labeling people as enemies, we sought common ground? Words shape thoughts, and thoughts shape actions. By choosing our words carefully, we choose the world we want to live in.

The Power of Positive Language

Language has the power to heal or hurt. By removing the word “hate” from our vocabulary and daily usage, we make room for words that inspire empathy, compassion, and understanding. We create a culture of dialogue rather than division, of peace rather than conflict.

It Begins with Us

Banning the word “hate” isn’t about censorship; it’s about transformation. It’s about evolving our communication and emotional intelligence. It’s about choosing love, respect, and understanding over animosity. If each of us makes a conscious effort to eliminate this word from our language, we can create a ripple effect that transforms our communities and, ultimately, the world.

Final Thoughts

Hate is more than just a word. It’s a mindset, an emotion, and a catalyst for conflict. It’s a word that should have no place in a world striving for unity and peace. By banning this word, we take a stand against the emotion it represents. We choose dialogue over division, empathy over enmity, and love over loathing.

It’s time to let go of hate—both the word and the emotion—and make room for a language of love and understanding. It starts with one word. It starts with us.