Both the Black Panther Party Platform and SCUM Manifesto utilize radical language in order to effectively express their points.  Diction is extremely important in both the Black Panther Party Platform and SCUM Manifesto because choosing assertive, demanding and even vulgar language is what makes both pieces so radical and effective.  For example, in the Black Panther Party Platform, it was formatted in a list of 1-10 of what are basically demands because they are phrased, “We want”.  This is effective because the Black Panthers are referring to themselves as a “we” to show that they are a unified group and used the word “want” to show that they are not simply asking for power or employment or freedom from brutality but they are demanding it.  Word choice is also important in the SCUM Manifesto as seen through the use of words such as “completely” to emphasize her points about men and “incapable” to show that even if men were to try they would never be successful.  It is also important to note that Solanas is very blunt and to the point with her wording rather than being vague or using less aggressive language.  For example, when she says, “We’re at that stage now; if women don’t get their asses in gear fast, we may very well all die”.  When saying this she is literally saying if we women don’t do anything about our current status and position in this patriarchal society then we may as well just die because there is no point. The use of radical language in both the Black Panther Party Platform and SCUM Manifesto have proven to be effective in catching the attention of the listener and creating a response.

Kaitlyn Moriarty