Language is a system of words that humans use to communicate and get their message heard. Deborah Tannen, Scott Russel Sanders, and Langston Hughes bring mention that the greatest influence to a person’s perspective is language. In “’Bossy’ Is More Than a Word to Women”, Deborah Tannen recognizes that the word bossy is a common word used to negatively describe women; sending them the message that exercising authority deems them unlikable by various organizations. Conversely, Scott Russel Sanders, in “Language Versus Lies,” admonishes the idea that words, specifically in advertising and politics, have a powerful influence on our lives. In another account, Langston Hughes examines that the word black during the early to mid-1900s was an insulting term particularly used towards black people. Hughes further signifies that
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He further addresses the issue that using particular words, can disguise the true meanings visually, verbally, or both (79). Sanders also points out that words have so much power in influencing peoples’ choices, that numerous companies are willing to invest money into advertising alone since it works so well in promoting consumerism (80). In extreme cases, words can even mask life and death situations (81-82). Example. Moreover, he tries to persuade people to analyze the labels and slogans of products we encounter or use: “We can insist that torture is torture, murder is murder, poison is poison. We can expose verbal tricks. We can defend the names of things we value from those who would corrupt them (82).” In order to distinguish our country from a corrupt one, we need to stop associating our thoughts and opinions with lies. Rather, we need to speak with dignity and honest accuracy (83). Nonetheless, one single word can generate various stereotypes and even tragic historical events as
He further addresses the issue that using particular words, can disguise the true meanings visually, verbally, or both (79). Sanders also points out that words have so much power in influencing peoples’ choices, that numerous companies are willing to invest money into advertising alone since it works so well in promoting consumerism (80). In extreme cases, words can even mask life and death situations (81-82). Example. Moreover, he tries to persuade people to analyze the labels and slogans of products we encounter or use: “We can insist that torture is torture, murder is murder, poison is poison. We can expose verbal tricks. We can defend the names of things we value from those who would corrupt them (82).” In order to distinguish our country from a corrupt one, we need to stop associating our thoughts and opinions with lies. Rather, we need to speak with dignity and honest accuracy (83). Nonetheless, one single word can generate various stereotypes and even tragic historical events as