I have been inundated with emails urging me to sign a petition for this or that “demanding” action. You hear the same proclamation used in the political arena, with people “demanding” that Congress act on an issue, and I’m sure it has been spoken around the labor negotiation table, where workers are “demanding” concessions from their employer.
I don’t think the word does the speaker any favors. In most cases, the one demanding is not in a position to compel action nor do they have leverage to cause the other party to do so. Congress is not beholden to any group of angry citizens and their negativity probably shifts the sentiment away from them instead of toward their goal.
Pay attention to where you see — and especially where you use — the word “demand.” Unless you’re writing a ransom note in a kidnapping, there are more effective words to express your desire for change.
