There are several definitions for the word, but let's focus on this one:
An unstable condition, as in political, social, or economic affairs, involving an impending abrupt or decisive change.Pretty serious, right?
Now, let's look at all the "crises" in our world (in no particular order). I'm not making these up...these are phrases pulled from very recent news articles. Some are a lot alike and probably have the same meaning, but hear me out :
- Crises
- Energy Crisis
- Credit Crisis
- Darfur Crisis
- Housing Crisis
- Oil Crisis
- Education Crisis
- Tibetan Crisis
- Humanitarian Crisis
- Environmental Crisis
- HIV/AIDS Crisis
- Georgian-Russian Crisis
- Foreclosure Crisis
- Deficit Crisis
- Budget Crisis
- Airline Crisis
- Loan Crisis
- Iran-Nuclear Crisis
- Midlife Crisis
- Global Food Crisis
- North Korean-Nuclear Crisis
- Hunger Crisis
- Heath Crisis
- Heath Care Crisis
- Israeli-Palestinian Crisis
- Immigration Crisis
- Prison Abuse Crisis
- Mortgage Crisis
- Election Crisis
- Fiscal Crisis
- Marriage Crisis
- Subprime Crisis
- Agriculture Crisis
- Ethanol Crisis
- U.S. Crisis
- Afghanistan Crisis
- Security Crisis
- Guantanamo Crisis
- Liquidity Crisis
- Beijing Smog Crisis
- Liquidity Crisis
- Middle East Crisis
- Iraq Crisis
Here's my point. By definition it seems that about half of these are more accurately described as PROBLEMS and not crises. Why is "crisis" overused? If an "impending abrupt or decisive change" is needed during a crisis, then why do we have SO MANY CRISES???
Ah ha! why? The answer: Leadership. Poor leadership, that is. Worldwide, nationally, regionally, locally, personally.
It's the boy who cried wolf. I'm numb to the next crisis to arise. What about you? What the fuck is a "liquidity crisis"? Let's quit accepting new crises into our world. Let's fix the things that are actually problems and allow decisive change to help resolve the crises. It's all about leadership. I'll leave it at that.
-Reid