Just as a literally tone–deaf person is unable to comprehend the differences between musical notes, a metaphorically tone–deaf person is unable to comprehend the different facets/nuances of a given situation. A statement such a person makes might also be described as tone–deaf. Jun 12, 2014
https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/177444/whats-the-metaphorical-meaning-of-tone-deaf
If you were fortunate enough to be raised with music you understand this title well. Two decades of hearing angelic family voices around me equipped my pitch-finding path. Those musically-inclined might credit their talent as learned and honed. Granted, I feel fortunate to have had great teachers, I view my ability to harmonize or find pitch as a gift from God. Admittedly, I have been tone-deaf too.
You know the scene. You’re either watching a contestant on a singing show (one of a zillion) warbling out words causing you to think of the expression, “can’t carry a tune in a bucket.”, or you’re standing next to someone~anywhere~that might be humming a tune that may sound a bit…unpleasant.
A friend of mine would say, “All God’s children have a place in the choir!” We’d laugh. Yet, seriously and with sensitivity, it explained that no matter who you are or what you did, you were accepted.
Being tone-deaf doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad voice. On the contrary, I know I lot of people that might not get the pitch, but have a great voice.
Sadly, beyond the scales of the pages and the music we sing, many are becoming tone-deaf to the world around them~OUR WORLD. Conceivably, tone-deaf to the situations in their own homes. It seems so easy for some to zombie away their humanity~numbly existing with little or no regard to anyone or anything around them? They’ll join in a round just because the lead singer is the loudest.
Do you hear it? Can you hear the voices? Are we on pitch? I’m riddled with guilt when I become tone-deaf (posting or saying something insensitive that is in direct contrast to the current topic or situation). It isn’t about ignorance. Are we truly aware? Are we paying attention? Don’t we all sing at times (and loudly might I add) and immediately declare, “I just put my foot in my mouth WHILE singing off-key?”
Witnessing the hate and deliberate tone-deaf messages are distressing. To appreciate our similarities and respect our differences has been echoed. It sounds repetitive; much easier to speak than do. Can we call a truce? Can we declare a ceasefire?
It’s ok if you’re a little off-key, we all are. There’s hope because we can train our voices. For some the music is deafening; others have turned a deaf ear. Despite tone-deaf sounds, I choose to hear the good.
When we hear the music around us can’t we all strike its chord? Because the underlying melody in all of us is beautiful. Amidst the clanging of communication, the ringing of the rhetoric, the muddling of the meaning, and the music of mockery, may those of us who choose to hear and use our voices for civil create a symphony of solidarity.
K.L. Hale
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