Language is powerful because it is key to our daily lives whether it be from watching a commercial on tv to the language used in social and political disagreements. Language, either written or spoken, gives the power to influence people’s perspectives and in a way dominates over their ideals. The greatest effect is in society since it influences the way idea is perceived. The image I have included in this blog illustrates how language dominates others, perhaps not physically but mentally.  

One of the greatest disagreements is the way society perceives different cultures. For example, many people have a negative perception of the Mexican culture which is caused by the choice of language. Perceptions of Mexicans consists of “drug lords” which gives people around the world to see Mexicans with despise and disapproval. The power of language here is an example of how it influences the way that cultures are misrepresented. Not only does the power of language influence perception but also how people perceive, creates a misrepresentation by not encompassing the “whole story” or in this case the whole Mexican culture. Edwards Said’s Orientalism describes this phenomenon when he writes about the Westerner’s perception of the Orient as exotic. However, this was not the true and entire representation of the Orient. Similarly, the negative language used towards the Mexicans creates a misrepresentation of them. Just because some areas of Mexico are affiliated with drugs it does not make the entire inhabitants of that country affiliated as well and it should not surpass the rich culture Mexico consists of.

Moreover, another ongoing event that is under the power of influence is tourism. WIth tourism, many destinations are exhibited as unique, but can also cause a misrepresentation. One tourist destination that I have encountered to be under the influence of language is in Peru. Peru is promoted as exotic towards the public, convincing people that traveling there will create a mystical experience. However, Peru is not an “exotic” and “mystic” place, in fact, it is like any other country thriving for success.

When language is used to persuade people of different ideas it is also a form of domination. For instance, in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero, the magician, uses the power of language based on his books for his power. With this power it allows him to dominate Caliban and use words in order for him to be loyal and remain on his side by referring to him as a “monster” and justifying he needed to be dominated so he would be civil. The written language consisting of his books allowed him to create an “ empire” on the island and dominate Caliban. Thus, the image displayed above is also a portrayal of the relationship between Prospero and Caliban, master and slave.

Language becomes a key determinant in the perspectives of people towards any subject since we rely on what information is given to us. In influencing our perspectives we are dominated without realizing it causing us to become subjugated to only certain ideals.

 

Works Cited:

“Peru Tourism.” Lima Peru – All About Lima Peru Tourism and Travel | Peru Travel, http://www.peru.travel/perutherichestcountry/usa/#home.

Said, Introduction to Orientalism (Downloadpdf)

Shakespeare, The Tempest, Acts 1-5, pp. 3-87.

Keeling, Jaime. The Power of Language.