Question

W4 Assignment

In Chapter 3 on perception and communication, the book stated that there is no intrinsic meaning in phenomena but that humans actively construct meanings and attach values. In Chapter 4, the book argued that language is powerful and that values inherent in the words we use shape our perceptions and those of others. Do these two statements contradict one another? Craft your answer in relation to the notions of hate speech and loaded language. (Be sure to distinguish between these two notions in your answer and provide concrete examples to support your point). Provide an example of situation you encountered with hate speech or loaded language. How did that make you feel? Your paper should be 1-2 pages citing specific examples and providing detailed analysis incorporation reading and textbook material. If outside sources are used, proper citation of the source should be included.

Answer 1

Answer:-

Perception in simple terms is interpreting stimuli or giving meaning to stimuli. The stimuli, by itself, holds no meaning but rather it is your interpretation of the same that makes it meaningful. Thus a beam of light by itself holds no value, yet my human nature perceives it as an indication of hope in darkness, or probably sees it as a call for help, or just as a symbol of darkness in the absence of light. Thus how I interpret the given stimuli definitely changes its extrinsic value. My interpretation is a result of my experience, my culture, my own mental set. If I am an artist,this beam maybe metaphorical to me. However if I am a sailor, this beam of light indicates life on the other side or an approaching sail. Of course the situation and context in which this beam of light occurs is also going to contribute to my construct. The context completes the picture.

Language by itself is part of one’s culture. If you consider just the usage of English, it differs in a million ways across cities and nations. One’s accent, vocabulary, emotional connect with words, fluency with the language, frequency of words used are all influenced by one’s social upbringing. Let’s consider an example, the word BLACK can mean darkness and slavery (inability to see, racism) to a few and achievement and justice (the graduation robe, a lawyer’s court) to others. Now if you ask an individual who has stayed away from human civilization as to what does Black mean to him, it may just seem to be nothing but a color. Intrinsically it holds no value but rather it is the human experience that makes me perceive this ‘black’ as something else. It is difficult for me to keep my experiences from influencing my perception. Thus now as I live in this society, the word by itself holds meaning to me due to constant repetition and association. (Typical classical conditioning). If I live in a racist environment, it tends to denote more negativity but if I live amongst great lawyers it means the exact opposite for me. Thus personal relevance also influences my perception. So do the above statements contradict each other? No they do not they rather complement one another.

Let’s apply this into understanding the effects of hate speech and loaded language. Hate speech fulfills the purpose of directly intimidating, attacking or tearing down a specific target group. It is usually provocative and stirs negative emotions. Loaded language is more subtle in its approach. It’s often used in propaganda and may stir both positive as well as negative emotions. It aims at influencing and making an appeal. Hate speeches were very common during the Second World War, contributing to the holocaust. As the mind always remains impressionable, the effect of a single hate speech is quite drastic. The word ‘hate’ itself has an effect of negativity where one can presently experience your own mind visualizing images and speeches associated with the Second World War even as you read this. (Given that you are aware of World History.) This by itself triggers a few negative emotions like anger, irritation, hatred, disgust. The constant repetition of words that are usually seen as negative with a specific community alters our perception of the community. Transferring this negativity associated with a word to the community at large. Thus, resulting in negative thoughts and emotions directed towards the target community that is now clearly seen as an out group. Negative emotions and thoughts can also be directed to oneself when a situation of cognitive dissonance occurs. The same is applicable for loaded words. Let’s consider a political campaign, the positive words of the contender does make us feel a positive connection when we see him/her as an in group member. This therefore influences one’s decision of whom should I vote for. Muzafer Sherif’s famous study – Robber’s Cave Field Experiment clearly explains one’s perception of in group and out group and its effects on behavior. Incidental feelings are also found to largely influence one’s perception of events and these incidental feelings can be induced by words.

In a recent social gathering, while I was part of the target group of a Hate speech I noticed a few changes in my attitude and thoughts (while being at the receiving end). Firstly, the negativity and intimidation made me turn to my in group members. (Overlooking in group flaws) We suddenly became a highly cohesive group. Secondly, the words used in the speech triggered so many emotions that holding it within became difficult. Catharsis seemed like the best option and it often involved metaphorically tearing down someone who caused this pain or finding a representative of the speaker. Thus, his words not just influenced the target audience but it also influenced my way of perceiving him as well as his group. Language is powerful and values inherent in the words we use shape our perceptions which are a result of the changing constructs we build.