Rabbit, Rabbit! That’s how I like to kick off the first day of the month for a bit of good luck. It’s August 1st, and I’m having one of the best August firsts ever! The Olympics are in full swing, and the support athletes receive from folks like Flavor Flav and Snoop Dogg has been incredible. It’s not just about the financial backing; it’s about the enthusiasm, the camaraderie, and the spotlight they bring to the athletes. This support fuels me and reminds me of the joy of doing our best.

We’re also feeling a shift in America right now. Regardless of where you stand politically, you must admit that something is changing. There’s momentum building and a renewed sense of purpose, and it’s easy to get caught up in our lives and miss it. But I want to encourage you to tap into this energy, find its joy, and let it lift you up.

I talked about two states with voter nonsense. Here’s what’s happening in GA, and here’s the information for Texas.

The Power of Code Switching

Today, I want to explore an incredibly powerful communication skill: code-switching. Code-switching is when we alter our self-presentation in different contexts and situations. Many of us do it naturally, without even realizing it. For instance, you might talk one way with your family, another way at work, and yet another with friends. It’s like being a chameleon, adapting to your environment.

For me, code-switching is second nature, but it can be a double-edged sword, especially regarding race. I have to be mindful of not overstepping boundaries, particularly in racially sensitive situations. It’s crucial to understand that while code-switching can build rapport and help us connect with others, it’s important to do it respectfully and appropriately.

Code Switching in the Context of Civics

Code-switching becomes a valuable tool when we engage in civic activities, like campaigning or discussing important issues with others. It helps us build rapport with different groups, find common ground, and have meaningful conversations. For example, you might discuss access to food with someone at a park formally and carefully but express the same concern with more passion and urgency in a church setting.

The key is to read the room and know who you’re talking to. Most of us know when code-switching is appropriate, but it’s always good to be mindful of our intentions and the impact of our words.

The Role of Intention in Communication

Let’s talk about intention. When conversing about important issues, your intention should be clear and positive. The goal shouldn’t be to convert someone or prove them wrong but to share why the issue matters to you and to listen to their perspective. It’s about having an open, honest conversation and finding common ground.

There was a great example of this recently: a resident initially dismissed a door knocker who was campaigning in her neighborhood. But after thinking about it, she went outside and had a conversation. By the end, they found common ground on issues like rape kit testing and feeding children, which led the woman to reconsider her stance. This is the power of intention and thoughtful conversation.

Why It Matters Now

In today’s world, where critical thinking often takes a backseat to loud social media voices and sensational headlines, managing our intentions and approaching conversations with a positive mindset is more important than ever. I wanted to start this podcast—to create a space to come together, share ideas, and focus on positive change.

To-Do List

1. Observe Code Switching: Pay attention to how you and others adapt communication styles in different contexts.
2. Be Mindful of Intention: Approach conversations with the goal of understanding, not converting.
3. Engage in Positive Conversations: Find common ground with others on issues that matter to you.
4. Participate in Civic Activities: Whether it’s campaigning, voting, or simply discussing issues with friends, get involved.
5. Stay Connected: Join me at jcarole.com/blog for more insights, links, and discussions.