The Power and Impact of Words

This assignment delves into the powerful impact of words on individuals and society. Students are tasked with analyzing how language can be used to incite harm, perpetuate stereotypes, and influence behavior. The essay emphasizes the importance of considering context and responsibility when using language, exploring the complex relationship between free speech and its potential consequences.

Essay
Discussion of the claim
“Words are rarely, if ever, inert for meaning”

Swearing, Offensive language and Hate speech
Recognized globally as democratic, freedom of speech has its short comings. Hale & Basides
(2013) defend the use of swearing in language pointing out that words comprise of phrases and
some of them are meaningless. This is the case when the words are impractical and do not add up
or make sense. However, sometimes words have the power to shape or destroy a destiny. That is
why Fish (1994) questions the effectiveness of freedom of expression through speech. Although
there are impractical words, evidence shows that words can influence people. Some case in
which the effect has been strong is in the use of swearing as offensive language or in hate
speech. Words have meaning hence they are not inertia. Some defend this use of language stating
that it depends on the context used. In fact, the dictionary defines swearing in two ways, as
offensive language as and it also includes a promise made to someone (Webster , 2017).
When used offensively words irritate, mislead and can be destructive. This is the case when
language use contains coarse, forbidden or hateful words. Ill spoken words could affect people
individually or as a society (Halmari, 2011). Freedom of speech becomes harmful when the
words become irritants to some people raising concerns on the benefits of such careless talk
(Fish, 1994). An example is in the TV and PR communications where obnoxious language
includes the taking of oaths, use of cursing in words, obscenities and aggressiveness
connotations. This includes casual words used in film, performing arts, adverts or music videos.
People in the contemporary world are cynical and it is difficult to make judgements about
motives. In a world where cultural diversity describes the international scene, norms and values
appear similar yet they are different. Ecclestone (2008) highlights that some of the words used
are taboo and should not be subject to open discussion.

In certain parts of the world, words can lead to imprisonment or punitive measure. The illegal
use of vulgar language in this case has negative consequences on the one giving the speech
(Allan & Burridge, 2006). Companies have lost their brand image and respect due to the use of
loose language in communication and advertising. It is easy to misinterpret someones language
as rude or illicit depending on the cultural or social perceptions. In politics words have defined
racism and hate speech which contains words spoken against some communities (Halmari,
2011). Jay (2009) refers to the global effects showing their influence on individuals and groups
in the present and futture generations. Words can inspire or influence people in the right or
wrong direction. The adoption of quotes made by racists such as Hitler continues to influence
generations today. Young people are heard uttering forbidden words and phrases amongst their
peers and especially in the entertainment scene.
This debate leads to discussions about the psychological influence that words have on people
(Hughes, 2010). One of the greatest influences of human perception is the media. It is no wonder
that advertisers capitalize on media platforms to create content that captures attention. The media
has a major role in communictaion effects (Kaye & Sapolsky, 2001). It is hard to ignore the use
of words in digital media today. Social media is one of the most effective communication tools
used by hatemongers like terrorists to spread racist and extremist thoughts. Words in
contemporary society occur through the global culture and spreads through the internet. Rasool
identifies the negative elements of langugae to show its power to influence in national or state
governance contibuted to the masacre of innocent communities.
White (2002) gives the example of Australian conflicts showing how the indigeneous and non
indigeneous breakdown at the impact of irrational and offensive language on the plight of young

people. As one of the modern day quagminres, the indigeneous situation continues to
mindboggle agencies. Attempts to create unity in the region is deemed futile because of the
effect of such language on communities. Attempts to bridge the gap between natives and non
natives is frustrating because of the existing bitterness cultivated by words. This is an example of
words which have created deep wounds across generations. This comes out when Waldron
(2012) looks at the practical examples for the modern systems. Still, racism continues to feature
among the civilised people in the education systems, workplace and social settings. Many people
have lost their lives globally because someone uttered a word that inspired another to act by
bombing or shooting certain groups of people out of hate.
Therefore it is impossible to ignore words because evidence proves their effect on society.
Individuals and groups have suffered psychological trauma based on words spoken by others.
This is the cause of inferiority complex in a number of communities such as the indigeneous.
The impact of words could also be so grave as to lead to death. Whether their harm is minimal or
grave, words remain powerful and carry different meanings depending on their contexts.
Freedom of speech is a political term used to encourage peaceful coexistence. At the same time,
it proves to be a breeding ground for vices such as hate, terrorism and conflict. Used on the
internet in social media, words are as infleunctial as a politcal ideology. People should guard
against torturing themselves over words or quotes used by someone else against them. It is the
only way to avoid the pschological impact of negative utterances.

References
Allan, K., & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden Words: Taboo and the Censoring of Language.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Ecclestone, R. (2008, June 7). Warning: Contains coarse language. The Australian. The
Australian. Retrieved September 25, 2017, from
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/warning-contains-
coarse-language/news-story/16b73d75a66707f111a85064a9c0c3d6
Fish, S. E. (1994). Theres no such thing as free speech: and its a good thing too. Cary ( NC):
Oxford University Press.
Hale, A., & Basides, H. (2013). The keys to academic english: educators guide. South Yarra:
Macmillan. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from
http://cdn-media.macmillan.com.au/palgrave/lecturer-restricted/TheKeystoAcademicEngl
ish-EducatorsGuide.pdf
Halmari, H. (2011). Political correctnedd, euphemism, and langugae change: The case of ''people
first'". Journal of Pragmatics, 43, 828-840.
Hughes, G. (2010). Political Correctness: A history of semantics and culture. Chichester (UK):
Wiley-Blackwell.
Jay, T. (2009). Do offensive words harm people? Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 15(2), 81-
101.
Kaye, B. K., & Sapolsky, B. (2001). Offensive language in prime time television: Before and
after content ratings. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 45(2), 303-319.

Rasool, N. (1998). Postmodernity, cultural pluralism and nation state: Problems of language
Rights, Human Rights, Identity and Power. Language Sciences, 20(1), 89-99.
Waldron, J. (2012). The harm in hate speech. Cambridge ( MA ): Harvard University Press.
Webster Dictionary. (2017). Swear. Retrieved from merriam-webster.com:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swear
White, R. (2002). Indigeneous young Ausralians, criminal justice and offensive language.
Journal of Youth Studies, 21-34.