Language is one of the most illusory human creations. We trust that words will remain objective and unchanging. Thus, we are often ignorant of the ways they can distort before our eyes. In a momentary sleight of hand, a word’s meaning can slip away, adopted anew by generation after generation. We use words primarily within context, with definitions existing in the periphery. As such, the meaning of a word can quickly become obscured. Examine the following definitions: 

trigᐧger warnᐧing (Noun: trigger warning; plural noun: trigger warnings): a statement at the start of a piece of writing, video, etc., alerting the reader or viewer to the fact that it contains potentially distressing material (often used to introduce a description of such content) 

trigᐧger warnᐧing (Noun: trigger warning; plural noun: trigger warnings): a chronically online and misused phrase, often serving as false consideration before presenting derogatory statements or as a form of defence for one presenting a controversial opinion 

The first definition, taken from the Oxford Dictionary, provides the intended conceptualization of the word. The second aligns more with its practical misuses. “Trigger warning,” or “content warning,” has become a buzz-phrase that is excessively misused in several ways—to precede a reprehensible statement in a futile attempt to justify it; to defend oneself from being cancelled for expressing an opinion that deviates from the majority; or even simply to appear more considerate of others, seeking praise online. These misuses unwittingly undermine the purpose of a trigger warning: To situate and inform an individual to mitigate unnecessary psychological harm. 

Despite the term’s blatant unnecessary amplification in social media, trigger warnings are lacking in the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, English actor and film producer Ralph Fiennes presented a brash outlook on trigger warnings, stating that theatres ought to scrap trigger warnings so that audiences might engage more immersively with productions. He maintained that trigger warnings would prevent an audience from being shocked and disturbed by violent or sexual themes. He asserted that the modern audience has gone “soft.” However, the accuracy of this statement is irrelevant; whether or not audiences have become too sensitive, the purpose of the entertainment industry is to entertain. It is not the artists’ job nor their place to “toughen up” audiences. 

Fiennes’ idea that information has to be withheld to avoid marring the impact of a film is contradicted by every mainstream marketing strategy. Entertainment looks different for any individual, so the entertainment industry provides its audience with information prior to a viewing so they can determine what would best suit them—trailers, plot summaries, or maybe avoiding a viewing altogether. This secures a more attentive audience than attempting to generalize across individuals. Take the horror film IT; what if it was marketed as an animated princess film? Would it be a sensation? Or would it precipitate an influx of child trauma? If two-to-three-minute trailers are released for every film, it is difficult to believe a two-sentence trigger warning would be what dismantles the multi-billion dollar industry. 

Consider the recent film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends with Us starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The film is marketed as a floral romance despite its portrayal of domestic abuse—and provides no trigger warning. Although the intended message of the story appears to advocate for ending the cycle of abuse, it is easily masked by the perfume of roses. With its misleading marketing, one could easily walk into the theatre prepared for a heartwarming two hours only to emerge feeling deceived. Some might argue that this is an exaggeration. However, one in three women and one in four men in the US alone have experienced some form of domestic abuse. While the word “trauma” has been diluted from overuse (and sometimes, misuse), it is critical not to undermine the genuine pain and experiences of survivors. Millions of people’s shared trauma warrants a couple of sentences from a multi-billion dollar corporation. Regardless of whether or not you have experienced domestic violence firsthand, no one deserves to be made ignorant of something that may likely cause psychological damage. 

If you or someone you know is going through a traumatic experience, including domestic violence, please refer to the resources below.

SOS violence conjugale 24/7: 1-800-363-9010

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868