In case you haven’t heard , we have entered into yet another new phase in human development – the “New Age of Nice“.
It was declared as front page news (with a big smiley face) in this past Sunday’s New York Times.
The article made its case by citing the recent popularity of Judd Apatow’s movies and their “nice” characters like those played by Paul Rudd, and the humble, polite and amicable Kris Allen, the latest winner of “American Idol”.
And there’s a earnest little blog, “Operation Nice“, which is recruiting readers to take an “oath of niceness“.
All well and good – but the terminology needs to change – soon.
Mind you, I’m certainly not rebelling against the sentiment – what I’m objecting to is the word “nice” itself.
“Nice” is just too easy of a target for the cynics of the world and their poison arrows to muddle and belittle the message.
That’s because of the word’s confusing etymology – as I had noted on my previous attempt to discontinue its use a couple of years ago, even the dictionary itself couldn’t sort it all out:
“The semantic history of nice is quite varied, as the etymology and the obsolete senses attest, and any attempt to insist on only one of its present senses as correct will not be in keeping with the facts of actual usage. If any criticism is valid, it might be that the word is used too often and has become a cliché lacking the qualities of precision and intensity that are embodied in many of its synonyms.”
Because of this historical ambiguity, it’s almost too easy to label “nice” as too wishy-washy, or too “middle of the road”.
As the NY Times article pointed out, critics and pessimists have a field day coming up with their own definitions, like “predicable and vaguely reassuring, like easy listening radio and greeting card sunrises“.
Those of us who are inclined to believe in the better nature of humanity (myself included) know that isn’t what we’re driving at here.
Humans who exhibit considerate behavior can also disagree. They can also be provocative. They can also listen to AC/DC as well as The Carpenters. They can even poke fun at life’s absurdities (including some Hallmark cards).
It just boils down to this – it’s a much better world when we conduct ourselves with humility and grace, and treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated – with respect and civility.
And if the NY Times is correct, and we are indeed entering a new age where that kind of behavior is in vogue and celebrated, then amen to that.
Let’s just not call it “niceness”, please.
We’re selling ourselves way too short.
How about, “the Age of Better Humans“?
Or “Operation Better Humans“?
Because there is too much to gain from this seeming sea change than to let a vague four-letter word obfuscate a genuine desire of a growing number of people to live out their long held (and perhaps previously masked) belief that love is, and has always been, the answer.
Keep the sentiment, change the word. And then the world.
Popularity: 14% [?]
Subscribe By RSS
Subscribe By E-mail
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Terry, you nailed it! Surely “nice” is too weak & common a word for a paradigm change. We need something that has roots and branches, leaves and fruit, scars and beauty.
Terry, I heartily agree! “Nice” is the easy out for those not willing to exert the effort necessary to describe what it is they see or desire to see.
That’s completely apart from my intent to fully support all efforts to encourage consideration, kindness, empathy, respect, and any of a dozen other words which fall under the “nice” umbrella.
George,
I wholeheartedly agree. And I also support Rick – so I would say “let us all be more considerate”. (Just picking one of his words).
I tend to use “nice” a lot. I use it often when I’m not especially sure what I want to really convey next. Sometimes, nice is a placeholder to the larger context.
But after reading this, I have to think more about that.
I agree. “Nice” is non-committal, non-specific and not very helpful. It is a weasel word in my view. I mainly use it as a sarcasm now. :-/
I had an English composition professor during my Freshman year of college who hated the word nice. To paraphrase, “People use ‘nice’ when they lack the vocabulary or creativity to accurately describe something.”
I’m not sure your suggestion of “humanity” does the job either. Are they really talking abou”kindness,” “consideration” or “just old-fashioned manners?” Maybe it’s A Return to the Age of Old Fashioned Manners or Retro Etiquette: A Return to the Age of Common Kindness.”
Hmm. Dont agree. Nothing wrong with nice. I think we humans are responsible for turning this word into something which is now objectionable. All about semantics isnt it? Do words have meanings or is do they acquire a meaning we give it. I think the latter
I admit, I use the word “nice” far too often. I tend to use it when I am asked my opinion of something I don’t have a negative opinion of, but don’t have an actual positive view toward. I’m left describing a newly acquainted person as “nice” because I don’t know them that well to make a judgment call on their character or personality, but so far, they seem like a decent human being.
I agree with Shefaly. It’s far from helpful.
Absolutely agree. It’s one those words that is so over used in so many different contexts that it barely has a meaning anymore. “Nice” falls into the same category as “cute”. Ugh. (oh, sorry, I guess that wasn’t very nice.)
Nice post. Sorry, had to be done. I agree completely with your point. There does seem to be a shift occurring that favors more honest, genuine and optimistic behavior. To put this in the “nice” compartment falls short for me as well. I think we should aim further and deeper in search of a better word to capture this significant shift in value.
“Honorable” is a word that conveys a lot of the meaning you’re after, and has unfairly acquired a fusty and old-fashioned connotation. Maybe we can resurrect it.
Sometimes I use the word nice sarcastically as in “Oh, nice.” when someone botches something. After considering Terry’s suggestion of “Better Humans” I’m not sure I want to set up a better/worse possibility for critics either.
Honorable works. Gracious, considerate, courteous–all aim in the direction away from nice with a bit more complexity.
Fun thread Terry, thanks
Good point. I have sort of the same problem withe the word “fun”. When it comes to the things that we truly enjoy in life, that makes us grow and have crucial importance for our happiness, describing things as “fun” doesn’t cut it… anyway, cheers to changing the dictionary one word at a time if needs be!