Beware of Rattlesnakes

It is a sign posted along hiking trails throughout the Badlands of South Dakota: "Beware of Rattlesnakes." The reality of those potentially-deadly creatures being nearby or, worse, possibly striking at any moment is more than enough to capture anyone's attention or give any hiker pause. It sure did me. While I still proceeded to take my hike through this famous and historic territory, not for once did I forget the warning. In fact, every step I took on the approximately 13-mile journey was made  with this message very much implanted in my brain. Coming into direct contact with a formidable creature such as a rattlesnake is not something to be taken lightly.

I mention this note not to draw attention to this recent enjoyable, yet challenging hike that I took with my cousin. Instead it is to focus on the message, a warning designed to drive-home the notion that any and all steps one takes should be taken with caution. A misstep could have serious consequences. "Beware of Rattlesnakes" got me to thinking such a reality exists in the act of communication. Regardless of the so-called communication trails on which any of us travels each day of our lives, there is potential that we may run afoul of serious injury or wrong-doing at any time. Metaphorically-speaking, rattlesnakes in the world of communication very much exist.

Such folks lie, deceive, exist to hurt and do harm to others. They have their own agendas and seek to achieve them by purposely being false with those with whom they encounter. While the majority of us may interact with others in good faith, there are those who do not. Their intentional efforts to twist the truth adds a dark dimension to an act that, ideally, is designed to bring folks together or create a degree of mutual understanding between various publics. While all of us are right to communicate with an attitude of openness and trust, we should never lose sight of the reality that there are some who do not. Not all acts of communication are carried out with the best of intentions.