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The death of meaning

Smiley face for Becky Nappi blog llustrator Harvey Ball, of Worcester, Mass., who created the smiley face, the bright yellow happy face that has become a worldwide symbol of good cheer, poses Monday, July 6, 1998 in Worcester, Mass. Ball is upset that French entrepreneur Franklin Loufrani registered the trademark in 1971 and now holds the trademark in much of the world. Ball, 76, created the symbol in 1963 as part of an in-house happiness campaign for an insurance company. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) (Paul Connors / Associated Press)
Smiley face for Becky Nappi blog llustrator Harvey Ball, of Worcester, Mass., who created the smiley face, the bright yellow happy face that has become a worldwide symbol of good cheer, poses Monday, July 6, 1998 in Worcester, Mass. Ball is upset that French entrepreneur Franklin Loufrani registered the trademark in 1971 and now holds the trademark in much of the world. Ball, 76, created the symbol in 1963 as part of an in-house happiness campaign for an insurance company. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) (Paul Connors / Associated Press)

Our friend Dave Killen, a lifelong teacher, has this saying at the end of his emails:

 

If every day is a great day, is any day a good day?

Language inflation is the death of meaning, understanding and community. 

 

Agree?

 

(AP file photo of illustrator Harvey Ball, of Worcester, Mass., who created the smiley face, the bright yellow happy face that has become a worldwide symbol of good cheer, He posed for this photo July 6, 1998. He was  upset that French entrepreneur Franklin Loufrani registered the trademark in 1971 and now holds the trademark in much of the world. Ball, 76, created the symbol in 1963 as part of an in-house happiness campaign for an insurance company. Ball died in 2001)

 

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.