Prescribe or Describe

     Experts look at language from two points of view.  Some prescribe, define what is correct and wish to regulate others to follow the rules; others describe, record the actual usage without judgment of right and wrong.  These two points of view might also apply to how some people set rules of behavior and expect others to comply, while other people accept that behavior is varied and social mores change.
     Traditionalists feel that certain rules of behavior will always prescribe what is right and what is wrong.  These rules usually come from their group: their family, culture, or religion.  Non-traditionalists are more likely to accept a variety of behaviors, are less judgmental, and respect the rights of each person to decide how to behave.
      The objectives in language and behavior are communication and understanding.  We may prefer a certain standard especially in formal written language and in public behavior.  Expecting others to adapt to our own personal standard does not allow freedom of expression that we all hold dear in a democracy.  We need to reduce our tendency to be unyielding and judgmental, setting a standard and prescribing others to follow.  We need to see the world as it is and respect variation and diversity.