Taylor Mali really nails a problem with the increasing use of an “interrogative tone” at the end of our sentences: the unconscious adoption of a style of speech that shields us from the accusations that we are making declarative statements in a postmodern context where there seems to be no absolute truth. We have noticed this phenomenon over the past four years in Britain, but we didn’t know it was also happening in the culture of American speech patterns. Those who engage in public speaking should be aware of this tendency—just in case you find yourself guilty of doing the same thing—and take steps to keep your words from drifting off into meaningless drivel, especially if you have something important to say! Although the video is intended to be humorous, I believe the slam poet, Mali, is taking careful aim at something that needs addressing in our Western culture.
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Hey Bill,
Hope all is well. I love this video. I was thinking about the scriptural command for us to be ready to “give an answer”. I think what Mali is saying is very perceptive and should give us hope that we are now in a position of authority in the arena of ideas. Everyone else speaks with uncertainty, while we as Christians are certain about the answers to life’s most important questions. Isn’t a culture that speaks with nothing but questions, the perfect culture to be ready to “give an answer”.
Godspeed,
Russell