Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Violence in Language
Statistically, there are studies that link linguistical threats to the carrying out of violence. Years ago, Pat Brown (I love her books) wrote that in a seminar, she asks people to imagine killing someone, and states that if one can picture it, they can carry it out.
For 'inspiration', she sets up the scenario: You've just come upon a child rapist attacking your child.
Most parents will be able to imagine taking the life of the perpetrator.
For us, (Statement Analysis) the words, rather than the imagination, are a greater guide in this.
"You cannot stop birds from flying over your head, but you don't have to let them build a next in your hair", (attributed to Martin Luther, though my wording may not be exact) does indicate a "step" in the process.
The brain visualizes something, but it takes another step in the process for the brain to take this imagery,
1. Search its dictionary
2. Choose specific words
3. Formulate these words into a specific order due to priority
4. Then formulate a cohesive sentence for the purpose of communication
This entire process may be measured in milliseconds.
It is this speed that gives us our high reliability in analysis, far succeeding that of body language analysis which not only needs a very long baseline, but is impacted by psychotropic medication, other medications, and overall health. A sinus infection can appear like snobbery.
Dr. Paul Ekman this past fall sent out an email stating that he would not conclude deception indicated unless he, himself, conducted the interview.
This de-rails his students who have sought to teach micro-expression training, since the 'father of micro-expressions' will not make decisions, how can the lesser practicioners? Even more so, the students of the less practicioners?
This is not to debunk Dr. Ekman's research; it is to affirm it.
The micro-expression moves by so quickly that he needed video to catch it, and even with constant training, there isn't measurable, teachable success. He is right to not make a judgement of truth versus deception, and his fans should do the same.
The very speed by which the brain processes speech makes our work successful.
In statements, there are indicators of violence, just as there are indicators of deception. In choosing of words, the violent often use imagery that reflects the violence they are, for lack of better wording, 'less' opposed to it than others.
We note the need to control, for example, in the sentences of domestic violence. The need to control will sometimes be seen in passivity, as someone "finds oneself" in this situation or that, with the passivity used to protect the ego from giving control over to someone else, or even to circumstances.
Yet, this is the very thing that those who refuse to take responsibility for their own actions do: blame others, or blame situations.
This is where balance and understanding enter the analysis.
The narcissist controller can be different than a selfish controller, whereas both may be violent.
For one, the passivity is because he cannot accept that someone exerted control over him, while the latter may use the "someone" to blame.
We sometimes hear certain self-help philosophies that say "you are only taken advantage of when you let someone take advantage of you", with the thought of empowering someone. While there are those who become constant doormats for others, the simple societal acceptance of polite behavior allows for bullies to exert themselves over others, and it is usually, in both progression of language and behavior, something that is resisted, but only after considerable damage has been done.
Specifically, all companies should screen for violence in statements but no more than in:
a. Law Enforcement
b. Business in which clients are particularly vulnerable.
Everyone and anyone can "snap" given enough pressure, but there are those who's own language reveals the comfort level with resolving issues by force.
These can, and should be screened for in the interview process.
Next up: How to use the subject's own language in order to...