In 2017, President Donald Trump has tweeted about the North Korea nuclear crisis by calling Kim Jong Un “short and fat.” In 2017, fashion designer Donna Karan blamed victims of sexual assault for wearing provocative clothing that was “asking for it.” In 2017, an Iowa State student thought it appropriate to make a joke about a derogatory word at a time when white supremacy is a very real thing across the country. 

Luckily, in 2017, all of these actions were condemned by society at large. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it protects the rights of those individuals to say controversial comments, but it also gives individuals the rights to condemn those ideas. But a bigger lesson is raised about the importance of using words and empathy effectively. 

As we looked back at the editorials we wrote this semester, we realized just how much this theme resonated throughout varying topics we opined about. Whether we are discussing any number of tough topics — foreign affairs, immigration, sexual misconduct, racism, mental health issues and even taxes — the things we say and how we think about people that aren’t like us is important.

Here are ways to keep this important lesson in mind as you discuss these topics.

• There is nothing presidential or honorable about tweeting words that divide people rather than bring people together. If Trump won’t be an example for us, we’ll be an example for ourselves.

• When we talk about sexual assault, we must be careful to use language that doesn’t place blame on the victim. While we can strive to teach people to be good bystanders and keep yourself safe, this doesn’t mean that alcohol, clothing or the “wrong place at the wrong time” have anything to do with the cause of sexual assault. Plain and simple, sexual assault is always the fault of the perpetrator.

• Using derogatory, racist terms isn’t OK. People of color have legitimate reasons to be in fear and furthermore, face outright discrimination and microaggressions every day. It’s also important to keep in mind that while you may not agree with NFL stars kneeling during the national anthem, you should still empathize with the injustice that they are protesting. 

• As we talk about tax and immigration issues, often driven by policy, we must remember that we aren’t just talking about philosophy behind law, we are talking about people. Policy and empathy aren’t mutually exclusive. 

Each of us play a role in using words and empathy wisely.