Take a look at the image above. What outline do you see? This isn’t a trick question. What land-based territory do you see? I see America.
According to one source, “The Americas, sometimes collectively called America, known initially as India Nova, are a landmass comprising the totality of North America and South America.” I would add one caveat to this description to include a distinction for Central America.
Now, what do you think of when you hear terms such as “America First,” “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), and so forth and so on? Do you envision America, as outlined herein, or do you instead think of the United States (U.S.)?
If you envisage the latter, have you ever stopped to ask yourself why your concept of America is factually incorrect? Were you even aware of the distinction between the U.S. and America writ large? Moreover, do you even care about word usage that I’ve described thus far?
I maintain that the words we use matter. Even if you aren’t concerned with this topic, I think that invoking an “America First” policy for the U.S. while giving away our nation’s revenue (collected tax money) to foreign nations, like Israel and Ukraine, isn’t a logically consistent act.
In fact, doing so is irrational. Perhaps it may be useful to illustrate what I mean. In order for a proposition to be considered rational it empirically must be in accordance with both logic and reason. To properly demonstrate what I mean, consider the following syllogism:
Form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Example –
Premise 1: If America First is the policy of the U.S., then the U.S. will focus solely on North, Central, and South American operations.
Premise 2: America First is the policy of the U.S.
Conclusion: Therefore, the U.S. will focus solely on North, Central, and South American operation.
This proposition follows logical form (i.e., deductive modus ponens construct). Likewise, both premises lead to a reasonable outcome. If it were true that an America First Policy mattered to U.S. politicians, then focusing solely on North, Central, and South American operations would occur.
However, this sort of “America First” policy isn’t likely what’s meant by U.S. politicians and others who espouse such rhetoric. After all, I’ve used “America” in the literal sense—adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression: actual.
Then again, even the word “literal” now colloquially relates to the term virtual—being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted: nearly. Therefore, focus on North, Central, and South American operations isn’t likely what people mean when expressing an “America First” agenda.
With this understanding, allow me to take another crack at a syllogism. This time, I’ll refine my exploration of rationality to rhetoric often associated with Republicans, the Right, conservatives, and the like:
Form (modus ponens) –
If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Example –
If Israel and Ukraine are allies of the U.S., then an America First policy includes funding the wars of our allies.
Israel and Ukraine are allies of the U.S.
Consequently, an America First policy includes funding the wars of our allies.
In this example, logical form is used. However, I argue that it’s an unreasonable (and untenable) proposition to fund wars (and other matters) regarding allies of the U.S. – especially if one subscribes to a policy of “America First.” Thus, this is an irrational proposal.
Again, the words we use matter. “America First” would include North, Central, and South America. “U.S.” first would focus on the 50 states comprising our Union. Also, it remains debatable as to whether or not U.S. territories would warrant similar focus (e.g., Puerto Rico).
Okay, I’ve outlined my proposition and provided rationale to support my position. I suppose the critically thinking reader may at this point ask, “But Deric, why does it matter that America First also encompasses Israel, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, and other nations or territories?”
I’m glad you’ve asked, imaginary reader. I’ll provide two arguments, starting with a fiscal retort. First, the U.S. has a finite revenue stream. We have our own domestic issues upon which we may focus. Without infinite funds, we simply cannot continue our current rate of spending.
Second, I maintain that it’s morally and ethically questionable to support war efforts of Israel and Ukraine – whether defensive or not – when in so doing the U.S. is indirectly (if not outright directly) responsible and accountable for the lives lost in these associated conflicts.
Given my perspective, I argue that a MAGA approach would redirect our efforts toward domestic matters. Likewise, a MAHA method would do the same.
Nevertheless, these are misapplied terms. Making the U.S. great or healthy again is arguably a national interest and goal for our nation. Will it occur under the administration of Donald Trump?
That remains to be seen. If the infighting I’ve observed between Republicans and MAGA, or the stonewalling between Republicans and Democrats during Trump’s last administration has any predictive value, I remain skeptical.
“But Deric,” an astute reader may interrupt, “what does any of this have to do with psychotherapy? Don’t you usually post content related to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)? What does word usage and politics have to do with behavioral health?”
Again, thank you for inquiring, imaginary reader. Presuming that you understand my stance on word usage, you may then comprehend how I approach REBT within my blog. For instance, I frequently define the terms I use. Why? The words we use matter.
As an example, imagine that when reading the current blog entry you believe, “I feel like Deric shouldn’t focus so much on politics.” Aside from common mistreatment of the word “literally,” I find that people often misuse the word “feel.”
With my approach to REBT – one in which the words we use matter, I conceptualize feelings (and derivatives thereunto) as either one of two elements. One, feelings are emotions such as joy, fear, anger, sorrow, disgust, surprise, etc.
For instance, you could appropriately say something like, “I feel sad.” Two, feelings are bodily sensations such as hot, cold, painful, tight, etc.
As an example, you may properly express something along the lines of, “My shoulders feel tight.” However, if you can replace “feel” with any form of cognitive process (i.e., think, believe, have a hunch, etc.), then you aren’t describing a feeling.
For instance, mis-conceptually stating or believing “I feel like Deric shouldn’t focus so much on politics,” when instead expressing “I think Deric shouldn’t focus so much on politics” would be more accurate, then understanding that the words we use matter may benefit you. Why?
When using the ABC model of REBT, I highlight that when Activating events occur and people Believe something unhelpful about these events, it’s our assumptions and not the events which cause unpleasant emotive, behavioral, and other Consequences.
With use of the ABC model, I then Dispute irrational Beliefs so that people may explore Effective new beliefs which may instead be used. Noteworthy, Actions and Consequences aren’t Disputed, as only unproductive Beliefs are challenged.
Therefore, conflating “feelings” with beliefs isn’t helpful. This is because I can’t rationally invalidate actual feelings (i.e., emotions and bodily sensations). For instance, if you tell me that your shoulders are tight I can’t logically and reasonably dispute your feelings-based sensation.
As such, the words we use matter. When you appropriately use language by taking personal ownership of your self-disturbing beliefs, then you and I can embark upon the often uncomfortable process of disputation. Again, we target beliefs and not feelings.
Ergo, “America” doesn’t consist solely of U.S. territory and saying that you “feel” one way or another when referring to a cognitive process is worthy of considering and then altering the manner in which you use words. Why? The words we use matter.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
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