A GOP senator's 'vulgar and racist' comments and when words hurt
Actions speak louder than words. But words spouted through literal and figurative megaphones can still be heard for miles – especially in a polarized political climate.
Take GOP Sen. John Kennedy's comments about Mexico at a recent hearing.
"Without the people of America, Mexico, figuratively speaking, would be eating cat food out of a can and living in a tent behind an Outback," the Louisiana congressman said. He was questioning Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram and inquired about fentanyl moving from Mexico to the U.S. while also comparing the countries' economies.
The Mexican ambassador to the U.S., Esteban Moctezuma, called Kennedy's words "vulgar and racist."
Experts say these comments are a reflection of our current political era – but people need to remember that words have consequences. A small ripple could soar into a tidal wave, especially if speakers have a high-wattage platform.
"Words always matter," says T.M. Robinson-Mosley, counseling psychologist. "And they matter even more when they are people who are in positions of power in our political ecosystem."
'Harmful and insidious effects'
It starts with a cruel thought in someone's head, voiced aloud. Then other people join the ferocious fray and the comments grow nastier. It spirals from there.
"I get really uncomfortable and very concerned when I see these types of insults, especially when they get normalized by people in power, our political leaders, people of influence."
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