What Maya Angelou Taught Me About Language

I still remember it. It’s funny when a TV show, the kind of thing most people, even if they like it, tend to think is a waste of time, changes your life. You wouldn’t think it would be possible for something so easily consumable to affect you deep in your soul.

There she was, it was Maya Angelou. Sitting there talking to Dave Chappelle on a show called Iconoclasts, a show where two trendsetters just basically sit down and talk.

Dave Chappelle had just quit his show, walked out on $50 million. Some sad he was crazy. He just said he realized that his humor wasn’t bringing people together, it was dividing them, making some hate blacks even more. He was on a journey.

And here he was, this guy who made such a bold decision, someone that at the time I looked up to and even admired a bit, and he was sitting in front of Maya Angelou in awe. She was speaking to him like you would imagine Maya Angelou to speak. She spoke like the words coming out of her mouth were alive, like every word she said counted. Everything sounded like a poem.

This is a woman who was friends with Martin Luther King. Who participated in the Civil Rights Movement on an organizational level. A woman who sympathized with Malcolm X, and was happy to see him eventually see that what Rev. King was doing was the right way. This is a woman who wrote the powerful “When the Caged Bird Sings”. A special woman.

And here I am, some hippie kid at ASU, watching this video, and I’m expecting her to say all sorts of revolutionary things.

But she doesn’t. It’s mostly just this poetry, this beauty, this love.

And then Dave Chappelle is talking about the “n” word, saying that he and Mos Def agreed they should reduce the power of the word by using it in a different context, by changing its associations, by using it to their own advantage. He has a whole philosophy on it, and as he’s explaining it, you can see, this is a man who’s not so sure of himself, a man who is reevaluating his whole life, but still he tries to make the point.

And Maya Angelou, she just looks at him with these big soft eyes and she says to him, “I believe it goes into the upholstery and then to the rugs and into my hair. Into my clothes. Finally, even into my body.”

And now, as I’m watching, my eyes are wide. I’m an aspiring writer and I wonder what the hell this woman is talking about.

“I believe words are things,” she says.

She begins to describe a bottle that has the word “poison” written on it. On this bottle, we know that what’s inside is poison. It’s evident.

But then, she says, if you put that same poison in Bavarian crystal… that doesn’t mean it’s not poison.

“The ‘n’ word was created to divest people of their humanity,” she says, “Words are things.”

Most of the show I hadn’t paid so much attention to, but now I’m rapt. And I see that Chappelle is also. The man can’t say anything. Maya Angelou knows the power of the word more than anyone in the world, possibly.

Do you want to know why I’m religious? It’s because of moments like this that I experienced before I was religious. Long before I learned that the Hebrew word for “word” is the same as the word for “thing”.

Maya Angelou spoke this truth and it resonated with me. Resonated with me because it’s something we all know is true even if we don’t acknowledge it. We try to pretend our words aren’t powerful, they don’t have something inherently strong in them that make them just as strong as a sledgehammer or food or poison or medicine, depending on how we use them. We don’t want to admit it, because it’s scary. Scary to think that every word we say is a thing. A deed.

But the truth is, when we accept this reality, when we go deep within ourselves and admit the power of words, when we’re careful with the words we use and deliberate with the way we present them, we have even more power than we had before. A tool is only truly powerful if we’re aware that we wield it.

In a documentary, Bob Marley’s wife, Rita Marley, said that Marley used his words like a gun. She used her hands to make the shape of a gun and indicate how every lyric he composed was a bullet aimed at the injustice of the world. The man was aware of the power of his words and his music, and this guy from this little country, from this little group of unknown religious zealots called Rastafarians, changed the world.

That’s the power we have when we listen to Maya Angelou. When we realize that words are real, that words are things.  This isn’t just fancy, mystical talk. It’s a reality.


Posted

in

, , ,

by

Comments

107 responses to “What Maya Angelou Taught Me About Language”

  1. NeilSHarris Avatar
    NeilSHarris

    Nice post. Being able to appreciate moments like you posted about make it worth it, huh?

    1. Elad Nehorai Avatar

      Yep! Thanks 🙂

  2. Harry Underwood Avatar
    Harry Underwood

    You might want to repost your post in light of this morning’s events: https://www.facebook.com/MayaAngelou/posts/10152560960924796

  3. bladiblah Avatar
    bladiblah

    I remember that show, and was incredibly moved by Maya Angelou’s words. Thank you for the link, and your thoughts.

  4. […] it into a Bavarian crystal (beautiful), it is still poison.” (Related, I enjoyed reading Elad Nehorai’s post on this conversation and how, in that one moment, Angelou taught him about […]

  5. […] it into a Bavarian crystal (beautiful), it is still poison.” (Related, I enjoyed reading Elad Nehorai’s post on this conversation and how, in that one moment, Angelou taught him about […]

  6. […] it into a Bavarian crystal (beautiful), it is still poison.” (Related, I enjoyed reading Elad Nehorai’s post on this conversation and how, in that one moment, Angelou taught him about […]

  7. […] it into a Bavarian crystal (beautiful), it is still poison.” (Related, I enjoyed reading Elad Nehorai’s post on this conversation and how, in that one moment, Angelou taught him about […]

  8. […] A Commentary  and a Video (watch to 28:06) […]

  9. z library. com Avatar

    Looking for a wide selection of high-quality books for download and read at your leisure? Look no further than Z-Lib! With an extensive library of titles spanning genres from novels to biographies, this site has everything you need to satisfy your literary cravings. Plus, with easy-to-use search and sorting features, finding your next favorite book has never been easier. Don’t miss out on this fantastic resource for book lovers – check out Z-Lib today!

  10. Haircuts Avatar

    You are a very smart person!

  11. check here Avatar

    Very helpful! Is there anything more I should know next? Or is this good?

  12. kd shoes Avatar

    My wife and i have been so lucky that Peter could complete his preliminary research because of the precious recommendations he got through the weblog. It is now and again perplexing to just happen to be making a gift of procedures which usually a number of people could have been selling. We really know we have you to thank because of that. The illustrations you’ve made, the simple blog navigation, the friendships your site make it possible to promote – it’s got mostly superb, and it is assisting our son and the family imagine that that content is interesting, which is certainly highly vital. Thank you for all the pieces!

  13. yeezy 500 Avatar

    Thank you for your whole hard work on this blog. Debby take interest in conducting investigations and it’s simple to grasp why. A lot of people notice all of the powerful medium you deliver important tips and tricks through your web site and as well as attract response from some others on this concept and our princess is really discovering a great deal. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. Your doing a great job.

  14. golden goose sale Avatar

    Howdy! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.

  15. bape clothing Avatar

    I and my buddies were going through the nice tips and hints found on your site while then got a terrible suspicion I had not expressed respect to the web blog owner for those secrets. These boys are actually as a consequence very interested to see them and have now simply been tapping into these things. Thanks for getting indeed kind and also for having this kind of incredibly good areas millions of individuals are really desperate to learn about. Our own sincere apologies for not expressing appreciation to earlier.

  16. off white jordan Avatar

    I definitely wanted to compose a brief note to appreciate you for all of the precious ideas you are placing on this website. My particularly long internet search has finally been rewarded with really good ideas to go over with my good friends. I ‘d assert that we readers are truly lucky to dwell in a perfect network with so many special professionals with beneficial methods. I feel quite blessed to have come across the webpages and look forward to really more amazing minutes reading here. Thanks a lot once more for all the details.

  17. giannis shoes Avatar

    I not to mention my guys were digesting the nice tips found on your web site and all of a sudden got a horrible feeling I never thanked the blog owner for those secrets. Most of the young boys had been totally stimulated to read them and now have certainly been enjoying these things. Many thanks for indeed being really accommodating and for having this kind of wonderful things millions of individuals are really desirous to be aware of. My very own sincere regret for not expressing gratitude to earlier.

  18. jordan shoes Avatar

    My spouse and i ended up being absolutely peaceful that Peter could round up his preliminary research through the entire precious recommendations he grabbed using your web site. It is now and again perplexing to just continually be giving away helpful tips which usually many others might have been making money from. And we all figure out we have the blog owner to give thanks to for this. Those explanations you’ve made, the straightforward web site navigation, the friendships you will assist to instill – it’s got everything terrific, and it’s really leading our son in addition to our family know that that topic is thrilling, and that’s truly fundamental. Thank you for all the pieces!

  19. supreme Avatar

    I wish to convey my appreciation for your generosity supporting folks that should have help on your matter. Your personal commitment to passing the solution all around ended up being rather significant and has all the time encouraged those much like me to realize their aims. This warm and helpful guidelines signifies a whole lot a person like me and substantially more to my office workers. Thanks a ton; from everyone of us.

  20. bape sta Avatar

    I want to point out my respect for your kind-heartedness for those who should have help on the topic. Your special commitment to passing the message across had become definitely effective and have truly made individuals like me to attain their pursuits. Your entire invaluable publication entails much a person like me and far more to my mates. Best wishes; from everyone of us.

  21. ggdb sneakers Avatar

    Would you be desirous about exchanging links?

  22. yeezy outlet Avatar

    I in addition to my friends were looking through the great tips and tricks from your web blog and then then came up with an awful suspicion I had not thanked the web blog owner for those tips. The guys were definitely as a consequence stimulated to read through them and have now in actuality been taking pleasure in them. We appreciate you being so considerate and then for using this kind of useful information millions of individuals are really desirous to understand about. My personal sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.

  23. golden goose running shoes Avatar

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this moreover ?taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article?however what can I say?I procrastinate alot and certainly not appear to get one thing done.

  24. golden goose running sole Avatar

    Howdy! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve gotten here on this post. I will be coming again to your weblog for more soon.

  25. aciclovir met of zonder voorschrift in Frankrijk Avatar

    Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  26. pioglitazone 30 mg avec ordonnance médicale Avatar

    Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thanks once again.

  27. Dewayne Avatar

    It’s remarkable in support of me to have a site, which is valuable in support
    of my knowledge. thanks admin

  28. achat de sominex 25 mg comme somnifère Avatar

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for Female hair loss treatment options

  29. ansial sin receta en Bélgica Avatar

    of course like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Several of them are rife with spelling problems
    and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth
    however I will definitely come again again.

  30. Online-Apotheke für accutane 40 mg Avatar

    Great delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the good effort.

  31. Wo etoricoxib 120 finden Avatar

    Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for providing this information.

  32. Aankoop van valacyclovir 500 mg online in Brugge Avatar

    Hello there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure
    things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thank you

  33. Kauf von adofen in der Apotheke von Wien Avatar

    I enjoy what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and coverage!

    Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.

  34. curry 9 Avatar

    After research a few of the blog posts on your web site now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will likely be checking again soon. Pls take a look at my web site as nicely and let me know what you think.

  35. finasteride 10 met of zonder recept Avatar

    Usually I don’t learn article on blogs, however I
    wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and
    do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.

  36. goyard Avatar

    This web site can be a stroll-by way of for all the data you wanted about this and didn抰 know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you抣l undoubtedly discover it.

  37. fear of god essentials hoodie Avatar

    I was more than happy to find this net-site.I needed to thanks to your time for this glorious learn!! I positively having fun with each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  38. albenza 400 recomendado por profesionales de la salud en Perú Avatar

    Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to
    get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.

    If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  39. golden goose running sole Avatar

    Thanks for all of the work on this blog. Ellie takes pleasure in conducting research and it’s easy to see why. We notice all regarding the dynamic mode you give practical guidelines by means of the web blog and therefore welcome response from others on that situation so our child is undoubtedly being taught a whole lot. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. Your performing a very good job.

  40. birkin bag Avatar

    There are certainly numerous details like that to take into consideration. That could be a great level to carry up. I supply the ideas above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up where an important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, however I’m certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Both girls and boys really feel the affect of just a moment抯 pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

  41. jordan 6 Avatar

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to find somebody with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is one thing that is needed on the internet, somebody with a little originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!

  42. goyard bags Avatar

    you could have a great weblog here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my weblog?

  43. Rolf Larabel Avatar

    Kudos to you for expressing this complex subject in such a easy and understandable way.

  44. Consulta con un médico para obtener una receta de duetact Avatar

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance.
    I must say that you’ve done a superb job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Internet
    explorer. Excellent Blog!

  45. fear of god clothing Avatar

    Would you be interested in exchanging hyperlinks?

  46. goyard store Avatar

    Would you be eager about exchanging links?

  47. Micheline Avatar

    Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing.

    The clarity in your post is simply great and
    i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed
    to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  48. Camilla Somerset Avatar

    Fine content Thank you.

  49. Mac Muntz Avatar

    Good content, Many thanks.

  50. achat en ligne de famvir à Bruxelles Avatar

    Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your web site in web explorer,
    may check this? IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of other folks will leave out your
    fantastic writing due to this problem.

  51. Comprar osral en línea Avatar

    Greate article. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg
    it and individually suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  52. Online-Kauf von butenafine 1% in Deutschland Avatar

    Link exchange is nothing else except it is just placing the other person’s website
    link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do
    similar for you.

  53. vermox 50 te koop in Gent Avatar

    Good article! We will be linking to this great post on our site.

    Keep up the great writing.

  54. Schnelle Lieferung von nipactrin online Avatar

    Ahaa, its fastidious conversation concerning this post here at this webpage,
    I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

  55. reaptan ohne ärztliche Beratung Avatar

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and
    gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
    and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had
    to tell someone!

  56. Stanton Avatar

    Your means of explaining everything in this article is really good,
    every one be capable of simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

  57. Medikamente ohne Rezept in der Schweiz erhältlich Avatar

    May I simply say what a relief to discover someone who actually understands what they’re discussing online.
    You certainly realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    A lot more people have to read this and understand this side of the story.
    I can’t believe you are not more popular since you certainly
    possess the gift.

  58. mentax avec ou sans ordonnance en France Avatar

    Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of
    us have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange
    strategies with others, please shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  59. aankoop van provera online in Santiago Avatar

    This is a topic which is close to my heart… Many thanks!
    Where are your contact details though?

  60. suprax en vente en Belgique Avatar

    Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it,
    you might be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually
    come back someday. I want to encourage that you continue
    your great job, have a nice morning!

  61. ¿dónde comprar mobic sin receta? Avatar

    You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the work
    you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid
    to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  62. fosamax en venta libre en Santiago de Chile Avatar

    Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

  63. farlutal op recept prijs in Rotterdam Avatar

    Hi to every single one, it’s actually a nice for me
    to pay a quick visit this website, it contains precious Information.

  64. indication du bentyl en vente au Maroc Avatar

    Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!

  65. acheter du actoplus-met en Belgique Avatar

    Hi great blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a massive amount work?
    I’ve virtually no expertise in computer programming but I was hoping to start
    my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or
    techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject
    however I just wanted to ask. Thanks a lot!

  66. Natural Cam Girls Avatar

    Watch the private life of other people live. Real life cam sex voyeur videos for free

  67. El priadel está disponible para su venta sin receta en Argentina Avatar

    What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in support of me, because this occasion i am
    reading this enormous informative article here at my house.

  68. Romaine Higgin Avatar

    Regards! I enjoy this.

  69. Jayda Mora Avatar

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  70. seralis sans effets indésirables Avatar

    I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things,
    The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really great :
    D. Good job, cheers

  71. Hailey Bender Avatar

    naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  72. prezzi del irbesartan su prescrizione Avatar

    For newest news you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on the
    web I found this site as a finest website for hottest updates.

  73. ivermectin 2.95 euro par pilule vrij verkrijgbaar in Frankrijk Avatar

    you’re actually a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
    you’ve performed a fantastic task in this matter!

  74. remeron recomendado por especialistas Avatar

    Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with
    SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
    If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  75. Brent Weston Avatar

    Cheers, A lot of write ups!

  76. compra de ventolin en Granada Avatar

    This is a topic which is near to my heart… Take care!
    Where are your contact details though?

  77. cytoxan zonder voorschrift in België Avatar

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped
    me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you
    helped me.

  78. Verfügbarkeit von gilex in Wien Avatar

    An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been conducting a little research on this.
    And he in fact bought me lunch because I found it for
    him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this subject here on your site.

  79. achat en ligne de amoxicilline sans ordonnance Avatar

    My family members always say that I am wasting my
    time here at net, however I know I am getting experience
    everyday by reading thes good content.

  80. Willie Cortez Avatar

    I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great

  81. compra de neosar en España Avatar

    This is very fascinating, You’re an overly professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to
    in quest of extra of your great post. Also, I have shared
    your web site in my social networks

  82. avomine in vendita in Marocco Avatar

    For the reason that the admin of this web page is
    working, no doubt very soon it will be renowned, due to its
    feature contents.

  83. compra aciderm a Genova Avatar

    An interesting discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that
    that you should write more about this topic, it might not be a taboo matter but typically
    people do not talk about such issues. To the next! Cheers!!

  84. celebrex disponible sans ordonnance Avatar

    I think this is among the such a lot significant info for me.
    And i’m happy reading your article. But wanna commentary on few common issues, The site taste is perfect, the articles is truly
    excellent : D. Good task, cheers

  85. où trouver du norzepine en France Avatar

    Ahaa, its pleasant discussion about this paragraph here at this blog,
    I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.

  86. precio del stromectol 6 en una farmacia Avatar

    This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something
    which helped me. Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *