I chose the following quote stated by Rita Mae Brown: “Language is power, in ways more literal than most people think. When we speak, we exercise the power of language to transform reality. Why don’t more of us realize the connection between language and power?” I chose this quote in particular because it resonated with me and I agree with Brown. She is saying that words carry weight and are extremely powerful, therefore each and every one of us should be careful when speaking, as the power of words can change someone’s life. When I was in middle school, one of my former teachers told me that I wouldn’t be able to succeed in life simply because I wasn’t able to understand the way she was teaching and therefore unable to solve a math problem. I only realized a little later in life the impact her words carried and how it made me feel down about myself. The power of speech is effective in all phases of life, from when a person begins to speak, up to the age a person passes away.
Feminist Rita Mae Brown has written more than fifty books in her lifetime, most of which consist of murder mysteries. Another interesting fact about Brown was that she was harassed out of college for standing up for what she believes in; civil rights activism. At the university she attended, a handful of black people were admitted and were segregated in a corner of a dorm. Brown became involved in anti-segregation activism, which resulted in her receiving bad grades, as well as having her scholarship retracted. Brown witnessed the beginning of the Stonewall uprising, which was when the gay community protested due to police raids. She fights for what she believes in no matter the consequences.
I really like this quote that you chose and also agree with the way you interpreted it. You backed up your analysis by connecting parts of it to your own experiences in your life. I agree that language is extremely powerful in the way that is a crucial part in communicating with others and expressing but also the way that your words can have such an impact on others and visa versa.
I like the little story that you provided because it is a very good example that outlines the quote. I agree and also find that language is very powerful as it can have positive or negative impacts to other people; whether that is words that inspire others or words that put people down, they are all very powerful. So, I think it is very important that we use language carefully.
I agree with you that words have power and how much it has because in that moment we don’t realize how our words are viewed. Also on how you gave a real-life experience on language having power.
I enjoy how you incorporated your real life experiences about what your teacher had said to you had impacted you in a negative way, which shows how the way we use words and language are impactful and effective.
As I was reading your response it really made me see the deeper meaning of the quote a little more. What I can take from this is that words is like a powerful weapon towards things and can have an impact. Words, language and power all goes hand in hand. This is shown through the real life experience you have provided. You have shown that the words people say can either have a positive or negative impact. Lastly, I really just loved how you interpreted the quote.
I couldn’t stop myself from writing this on my motivational board, “The power of speech is effective in all phases of life, from when a person begins to speak, up to the age a person passes away.”. The way you worded it and interpreted was amazing. It was a well-thought sentence and it was short and sweet. I completely agree with you and would like to add that actions are equally as strong and sometimes more valuable than words. Words can only go so far due to language and memory barriers. While in the other hand, actions reach an inner feeling within a person that words might not. Overall, I like the way you write and think.
I really liked how you incorporated a story about how the quote related to you. I think that you really explained the meaning of the quote really well, saying how “the power of speech is effective in all phases of life.” I agree how powerful words can be as it can effect someone positively or negatively based on how the words are used.
I agree with your interpretation of the quote. It was amazing how you managed to tie the meaning of the quote to your real-life experience. Words are powerful, and we must know how to use them well.