Gossip! Yes, gossip is universal. In some languages, it may have an outright negative connotation but in English, it basically means 'idle talk; chat about trivial things or matters. When moderate and kind, 'casual talk' may serve to exchange useful information as a means of updating one's knowledge. The whole neighborhood may grow gossipy with who got married, pregnant,died or it may just be a humorous chitchat devoid of malicious intent.
However, idle talk more often than not, degenerates beyond the bounds of propriety and good estate. Facts get embellished, exaggerated or deliberately distorted. Humiliation is made the source of humour, privacy is violated, confidence betrayed and reputationa injured or ruined. Condemnation takes the place of commendation, murmuring and fault finding are extolled. The end result is like the mud thrown on a piece of White cloth. It does not stick but leaves a dirty and sometimes permanent stain behind.
Gossip has been blamed for sleepless nights, headache and indigestion. Certainly, it must have caused you some personal anguish at a time or the other, that is someone must at some time tried getting a knife between your shoulder blades. Negative gossip is almost universally frowned upon. Amongst the indians in the united states, gossiping about someone is classified with lying and stealing. Among yorubas of Nigeria, the tale bearer is detested and often avoided. Indeed, throughout history, measures have been taken to curb this 'deadly' disease.
Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the ducking atool was popularly used in England and Germany and later in the United States.
The gossip was tied to a chair and repeatedly ducked in water. In modern times, the war against gossiping has also been fought. Rumour control centers has been established to respond to rumours that were potentially harmful to government activities, laws have been passed to curb gossip. Nicknames have been given to those who peddle the trade. Ever heard of 'Amebo!
Such efforts not withstanding, gossip survives. It is alive and flourishing. Gossip is everywhere. There is neighborhood gossip, office gossip, party gossip, family gossip and funnily enough, religious gossip. Gossip transcend all cultures, races and civilizations, and it has flourished and is still flourishing at every level of society. Gossip is deeply a part of human nature. Yet gossip is not inherently evil. There is a positive side to casual talk. Knowing where to draw the line between harmless and harmful gossip is the key to avoiding victimizing others and being a victim yourself.
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