The emotive power of language: TRY

[mrkstvns]

Do or do not, there is no try.
- Yoda

Are expectations lower for Girl Scouts than Boy Scouts?  Could they be better motivated to excel with a few small tweaks to their oath and law?

One writer thinks that because the Boy Scouts use language like "I will"  while the Girl Scouts use language like "I will try" that we're collectively implying that we don't really expect Girl Scouts to succeed, but hey!  trying is good too.  

Here's the story:
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2019/12/why-is-it-that-boy-scouts-will-but-girl-scouts-try-change-the-promise-please-opinion.html 

 

Edited December 16, 2019 by mrkstvns

[Hawkwin]

100% agree. Language matters, especially in this context.

My daughter is a member of both organizations and we certainly stress language at home. We don't accept "can't." I constantly say "you are capable." Things might be difficult but that doesn't mean that you lack the capability to do it.