The paradox of words: Hurting, healing and language

9:00 - 10:15 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2016
PSU 313

Words are at the root of much hurt and much healing in society. Paradoxically, we hurl insults at each other in anger, but often have to exorcise the effect of those words by uttering still more. How much of the conflict in society originates from a false sense of a common definition for a feeling, event or encounter? How does one’s socio-economic or ethnic background shape the interpretation of the words used in conversation, news reports, or speech? How do language differences influence empathy and compassion?

Presenters

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Fontbonne University Carey Adams

Carey Adams

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Fontbonne University

Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance Project Maureen Costello

Maureen Costello

Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance Project

Assoc Prof of Communication, University of Missouri Debbie Dougherty

Debbie Dougherty

Assoc Prof of Communication, University of Missouri

PE and Health Teacher, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Patrick Dudash

Patrick Dudash

PE and Health Teacher, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School