Why ‘I took that personally’ can be both empowering and problematic
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I took that personally”? If you have, you’re not alone. “I took that personally” is a common phrase used to describe how we react to hurtful or offensive comments or actions that are aimed towards us. While this phrase can be empowering in some instances, it can also be problematic in others. In this article, we’ll delve into why this phrase can be both empowering and problematic.
What “I took that personally” means
Before we dive into the nuances of the phrase, let’s define what “I took that personally” means. Essentially, it means that a person feels personally attacked by something that was said or done to them. It’s an emotional response that can be triggered by anything from a boss’s criticism to a friend’s joke.
The empowering side of “I took that personally”
In some instances, “I took that personally” can be empowering. For example, if someone makes a sexist or racist joke, saying “I took that personally” can show that the person making the comment is responsible for their actions. It can also demonstrate that the person who was offended isn’t willing to tolerate disrespect.
The problematic side of “I took that personally”
While “I took that personally” can be empowering, it can also be problematic. One issue is that it puts the emphasis on the person who is feeling offended rather than addressing the problematic behavior. For example, if a boss gives negative feedback and an employee responds with “I took that personally,” it deflects the focus away from the feedback and onto the employee’s emotions.
Additionally, “I took that personally” can create a culture of victimhood where people are hypersensitive to any perceived slight. In this type of culture, it’s easy for people to become emotionally exhausted and difficult to work with.
The importance of context
It’s important to keep in mind that the appropriateness of “I took that personally” is highly dependent on the context. If someone is being harassed or discriminated against, then “I took that personally” can be a powerful tool for showing that they won’t tolerate such behavior. However, in other contexts such as receiving constructive criticism, it may not be the appropriate response.
Conclusion
“I took that personally” can be a powerful phrase in addressing hurtful or offensive behavior. However, it’s important to recognize that it can also be problematic. It’s crucial to consider the context before using this phrase and to shift the focus from emotions to behavior when appropriate. By doing so, we can create a more productive and respectful work environment.
