I believe that language is a crucial part of freedom of anyone who has lived and not been free. Language is a building block of Democracy. To many around the world a democracy is synonymous with freedom. In the United States we have a democracy and we also posses many freedoms that others do not have. Another key to democracy is literacy, and to become literate one must be fluent in their language. Without language and literacy we are doomed like the poor Animals in "Animal Farm". They lacked what was needed most, literacy. They were like puppets on a string, able to be pulled any which way the wind blew them because they had no way to know they were being used. Why do despot governments burn books and fear the scholars. Not because they have bullets or tanks. Not because they command a large air force or nuclear bombs. They posses something much stronger, the ability to communicate an ideal through language.
When I read the topic of the question I immediately thought of Gandhi and the British Empire. Gandhi did not posses an army of large numbers. Quite the contrary, Gandhi used his words and his actions to help India gain its independence. This is a perfect example of how language as a form of diplomacy can save lives and get accomplished what needed to be without firing a bullet. On the other hand, we look at the build up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The language used by our former president Bush had the opposite effect. It enflamed our enemy, uniting them against a common enemy, America. I believe this is a perfect example of how language can also be detrimental to peace efforts. A few words out of context or said in anger can leave a lasting impression on a group of people and forever change their opinion.
We must take heed in these lessons of the past. Language is a powerful tool for freedom, but it can also be the chains that bind us if not used properly. Many of us have lived through situations where we had wished we used our language in a different way. Maybe our tone was a little too demanding; maybe we said nothing at all when all that was needed were a few kind words. We must respect language for it has been a driving force for much good in the world, but it has also been the reason for much of the divide in our country. We have an opportunity for our voice to reach every person on this planet, let us make sure we are thinking before we speak, because it may be a few ill fated words that will become our manacles for the key will be lost in translation.
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Nice posting! I really thought it was cleaver the way you formed the connection between communication and the book Animal Farm. You made a very good point I think in stating that it is not so much the weapons other people posse that scares us, but the ability they have to communicate. That is why the government holds such censorship. People who have the ability to communicate are often more dangerous than even the deadliest weapons. I also thought it was quiet cleaver the way you connected the current war we happen to be in. It is so true Bush lacked the ability to communicate in a intellectual way. The more he spoke the more he seemed to lose his followers. I am not pro Bush at all, but it is a shame because I think he might have actually had some okay ideas. An if not for his inability to transfer those ideas into verbal speech he might have better luck as president. I also really appreciate how you made mention that our voices now have the power to reach millions worldwide so we really need to think about what were saying. I really enjoyed your post, very well communicated =)
ReplyDelete-Rosie-
Hi Eric! Good job on your essay/blog. It was a simple yet powerful piece of writing. Truly language and literacy are important. Those are the keys to empowering a person, a town, a city, a whole nation and the whole world. I could not relate and agree more of the things you have said here. You’ve related and described the book Animal Farm quite well to your essay.
ReplyDeleteLanguage is indeed a power, and depending how we use it determines if we are going to make friends or enemies. Therefore, it must be used accordingly. Being a bilingual, I could very much relate to it. Because a lot of times, I find myself choosing the best words I can apply and use to communicating as to not offend anyone around me. If only everyone in this world would have the same consciousness and consideration of the power of a language then we don't have to experience these wars.
I'm not fond of politicians ever, but Bush's decision of going to war against Iraq left me constantly worried for my brother who's in the military. I hope and pray we can all practice the proper usage of language and respect its powers. You’ve done a nice job here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.