“Imperial” is an adjective. It’s classy, it’s regal, and it’s somewhat snobby. If imperial were a woman, it’d wear fur coats and saunter down aisle ways at the royal wedding. It makes me think of a deep purple and of fat kings and aloof cats from a Disney movie that wear jewel-studded collars and eat of people bowls.
To others the word “imperial” is a statement of fear and hate and racism. European powers not too long ago slaughtered men and women of advanced and complex civilizations in Africa, India, and Asia in its name. They measured the skulls of other races and claimed that the white man was further evolved than them because of his physical, religious, industrial, and social differences. It claimed that some had the moral responsibility to make everyone else like their own and killed a lot of good culture in the process. “Imperial” in many ways disgusts me.
To some “imperial” strikes a chord in their nationalistic pride. It makes them think of days past when the spirit of their fellow man was embodied in the being of a monarch or another ruler. It holds morally heavy connotations of romanticism and patriotism, a throwback to the years when men didn’t bicker in public over the country’s policies and everything was a matter of principle.
“Imperial” has grown from diverse roots to form a single tree of meaning. People visit the idea of it every day and are emotionally moved by its definition.
It is a powerful word.
I never thought an entire blog could be dedicated to this word, but when you think about it, there is a lot that can be said. excellent choice! :)
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