Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Power We Love to Hate
"Language is just air after all-its not a gun, it has no power on its own. Yet it changes reality." Language is an art form that has the ability to captivate how we think, help us form opinions, and even impress others' ideals upon us. It is an extremely influential tool used by politicians, the media, and people we know personally. Proverbs 18:21a says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." This implies that what we speak with our mouths has a substantial impact on other peoples lives. No, you cannot kill someone with your mouth alone, but sometimes the words we speak can have detrimental effects on others.
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4 comments:
Personally, I like and agree with your quote. Language has the power to change how a person feels about his/herself. For example, if you say "You're a real genius" you can either be complimenting them or be being sarcastic and calling them an idiot. I love this quote and I also highlighted it.
I agree with how you and Lakoff used this statement. It makes the reader realize that language, although in its very essence is just breaths of air spoken by our mouth, in reality it is a powerful tool. Your bible quote is very relevant for it reveals the true power of "just air." Language, like you stated is used in politics, media, etc and has a big enough impact to change lives. I find it powerful when Lakoff says that language is no "gun" but she is really implying that it can be as powerful as one.
You explain the quote very well, and your incorporation of the proverb quote from the bible is a perfect explanation of the power language holds. The irony in this part of Lakoff's argument is a bit comical when one thinks about it, but nevertheless true. This statement that mere air has "the power of life and death" is a very good and crucial piece of Lakoff's argument.
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