When did it become fashionable to say Peace, to everyone about everything? I think it has become as empty a sentiment as the reflexive “God bless you” when someone sneezes. Saying the word peace, in my estimation, is a very personal thing. I say “Peace” to you because you’re going through a hard time. I say “Peace” to you because we had a long, personal conversation that makes me feel close to you. I say “Peace” to you because a loved one died. I say “Peace” to you because I know you well. I’d prefer not to hear “Peace” after making a fast food purchase, or anything involving the purchasing of goods and services. It’s also frustrating to hear it in an email after a heated discussion “Ok, so you have agreed to get it done, AND to do it ON TIME less we have a repeat of the last incident. Peace, Steve Jobs”. Steve doesn’t mean “peace”, what he means is “I just yelled at you but I want to seem like a cool person, also I wish that nothing bothers you on your way to doing what I told you to do.”.
Words do seem to loose their meaning over time. I’m old enough to have seen the evolution of the word wicked into something good. I think I’m watching the devolution of the word Peace into something catchy and meaningless.
Peace,
Bill
