Language, Freedom, and Power

Until reading these articles, I did not see how language limits every single one of us. One of the most intriguing, eye-opening articles was Lisa Bloom's, "How to Talk to Little Girls". Reading it made me realize just how important looks had become to woman. Of course, I understood that appearance has become a priority to many woman due to our culture which is centered on celebrities and Victoria's Secret Angels. Advertisements tell you how one needs to be skinny and hot to succeed. However, I did not realize that "15 to 18 percent of girls under 12 now wear mascara, eyeliner and lipstick regularly; eating disorders are up and self-esteem is down; and 25 percent of young American women would rather win America's Next Top Model than the Nobel Peace Prize" (Bloom). These statistics completely appalled me.  The degree of stress that is being put on girls to be "hot" is restricting their freedom to be who they truly are. I completely agree with Ms. Bloom that something needs to change. Movements like, "Like a Girl", teach girls to be strong and proud of who they are. Another important topic brought up is how far freedom of speech expands. The Charlie Hebdo Attack brings this debate to light in  a New York Times Article. Many wonder whether or not the cartoonists were justified in there cartoon depictions of the prophet Muhammad. As the article suggests, the magazine has always been controversial as freedom of speech in France is not as prominent as it is in America. "Charlie Hebdo, which arose in the wake of the 1960s battles over France’s then-restrictive speech laws, did outré political satire better than just about anyone" (Schuessler). However, many see it as crossing the line as it is against the Islamic religion. Personally, after reading the article, I believe the cartoonists were not justified ( I do not believe their killings were justified either). The cartoonists violated their freedom of speech by directly harming another group of people. They intentionally attacked the Islamic religion and that is not something that should be tolerated by freedom of speech. I agree with Mr. Spurgeon that the comics were unjustified. Overall, language is quite powerful. Too many people use this power in a negative manner in order to harm others. We need to change the power. We need to be positive, be inspiring. No more bringing people down. We need to protect people and give them confidence, especially young girls. A change needs to happen. 

Initial Thoughts on Power and Freedom within Language

When considering the power of language, I immediately think of how words can negatively affect someone, especially a teenager. Language is so powerful when it comes to bullying. One may never understand how their words truly hurt and affect others. The movie Cyberbully portrays this well. In the movie, it shows how words can truly hurt as a young girl is pushed to the limits by bullying online when she tries to commit suicide. However, the power of language can be used for good. Words can be used to inspire as well. One of the most inspirational speeches I have ever heard is the "Miracle Speech" from the movie Miracle. Coach Brooks' speech inspires the players so much as they went out to take on the Soviets. It is one of the most famous speeches to exist. Language can make or break one's day so you want to use it right.When asked about the relationship between freedom and language, the first thing that comes to my mind is the first amendment of the Constitution. Under this amendment, freedom of speech is protected. As long as it does not harm another detrimentally, one can not be punished for what they say. Certain language still shows all people are not truly free. Racial slurs are used to diminish the freedom of African Americans and other racial groups. When one uses these words, they are trying to belittle and take something from the person. Language restricts one's freedom as well. Documents, like the Constitution of the United States of America, limit what one can legally do. Written laws do the same, as well. Overall language is quite powerful and can restrict one or allow one to flourish.