let's just call it a tank top

photo by helgasms!

Maybe you're familiar with the term, maybe you're not: wifebeater.  I'm not talking about the kind that abuse, traumatize and trample the spirits of the people closest to them.  I'm talking about the kind you buy in a pack of 3.  They come in small, medium and large.  They are undershirts, and unfortunatley, "wifebeater" is a popular slang term used to describe them. 

I'm not easily offended.  Bring on the four-letter words, as long as they are not being used as weapons to hurt anyone.  But I cannot tell you how deeply offensive I find this term.  It is more vulgar, more obscene than any of the words I was taught to think of as "swears."

If you've used this popular term, PLEASE don't think that I want you to judge yourself, or feel guilty.  That's not what I'm about!  On the contrary, I want you to feel perfectly blissful.  I'm just asking you to stop and think.  Domestic violence is not ironic, it is not cute, and it is definitely not funny. 

In "The Four Agreements," don Miguel Ruiz advises us to be impeccable with our word, to use the power of our word for good.  I try to remind myself of this advice every time I catch myself beginning to gossip, or gripe.  I think this is another instance where this Toltec wisdom applies.  Every thought we put forth has the power to affect the world around us.  Let's try to use our powers to do good!

:)

xoxo Andrea


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