Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Triggering and Activating Explained!



SO I am sure that some of you are wondering the meaning behind “triggering” and “activating”.  As I am sure some of you know that I use these words a lot! And that’s because I use these words daily…often times several times a day and maybe even several times a hour.  It kinda just depends.

Triggering:  I use the word “trigger” when I have a strong, often negative reaction to something that at its core is oppressive or unjust.  It often occurs around issues of social justice.  It is just a feeling within my heart.  For example, when some makes a racist comment I become “triggered”.  Because I am highly aware and sensitive to issues of social and racial justice and because I regularly engage with others on these issues the words “trigger” “triggered” and “triggering” are all very helpful in describing a particular feeling.   

Activating:  I use the word “activating” when I want to use “triggering” but I can’t because what I am referring to it is not oppressive or unjust and really has nothing to do with social justice.  So it is mainly used to describe instances in which I don’t like or are annoyed  For example, if I am in a hurry (which you pretty much can’t be in Mozambique) and the person in front of me is moving too slowly… I will be activated.  This word is really just a lighthearted response to the word “trigger”.  It is meant to be funny and it is quite funny because people at first have no idea what it means or don’t get it!

Please feel free to use either of these words in your daily language… I would LOVE it! Having fun and interesting words/phrases to use on random or not so random occasions my conversation fun and interesting! 

Throughout this blog I will be updating you on both what “triggers” me (so more serious stuff) and what is “activating” (so more funny/annoying stuff). 

1 comment:

  1. "Activating" can really be used in any situation. Literally, there is not one situation I can think of where you can't apply "activating." Also there are different Parts of Speech for activating. For example, you can be in a "state of activation," if you are just so incredibly activated that you are over-the-top activated or a "permanent state of activation."

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