Entering the Conversation

1. Find an article related to terrorism in two different newspapers, magazines, or blogs, preferably two with different styles and political leanings. Using at least two sources from this Conversation as references, analyze the use of language in the articles you selected.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: Find an article related to terrorism in two different newspapers, magazines, or blogs, preferably two with different styles and political leanings. Using at least two sources from this Conversation as references, analyze the use of language in the articles you selected.
2. Write an essay explaining whether you believe that efforts to eliminate sexism, racism, and violence in language are effective, or whether such efforts simply mask these issues.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: Write an essay explaining whether you believe that efforts to eliminate sexism, racism, and violence in language are effective, or whether such efforts simply mask these issues.
3. Choose a controversial local or national issue, and write an essay analyzing the language used in the debate. Use at least three sources from this Conversation to inform your analysis.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: Choose a controversial local or national issue, and write an essay analyzing the language used in the debate. Use at least three sources from this Conversation to inform your analysis.
4. In The Political Mind, linguist George Lakoff makes the following statement about the importance of the language that politicians use to present ideas to us rather than the substance of the ideas alone:

   The political power of words lies not primarily in their form—that is, in speech—or even in the meanings they are directly linked to, but in the totality of brain circuitry that activation can spread to: the frames, metaphors, prototypes, metonymies, and the entire system of concepts. Words matter. They shape our politics—and our lives.

   Write an essay that supports, challenges, or qualifies Lakoff’s assertion. Develop your position with evidence from your own experience along with at least three sources from this Conversation.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: In The Political Mind, linguist George Lakoff makes the following statement about the importance of the language that politicians use to present ideas to us rather than the substance of the ideas alone: The political power of words lies not primarily in their form—that is, in speech—or even in the meanings they are directly linked to, but in the totality of brain circuitry that activation can spread to: the frames, metaphors, prototypes, metonymies, and the entire system of concepts. Words matter. They shape our politics—and our lives. Write an essay that supports, challenges, or qualifies Lakoff’s assertion. Develop your position with evidence from your own experience along with at least three sources from this Conversation.
5. In 2011, Washington Post columnist Courtland Milloy urged the Washington Redskins football team to change its name. He wrote:

   After a recent visit to the National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall, I’m wondering how much longer our city will tolerate having a football team known as “Redskins.”

   It’s a racist name, patently offensive and the incongruence is simply ridiculous: a world-class institution devoted to showcasing Native American heritage in a city whose leading sports franchise makes a mockery of that heritage.

   Write an essay agreeing or disagreeing with Milloy’s assertion that the name “Washington Redskins” should be changed. Argue specifically about this team in the nation’s capital, or broaden your argument to the use of Native American names in sports in general.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: In 2011, Washington Post columnist Courtland Milloy urged the Washington Redskins football team to change its name. He wrote: After a recent visit to the National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall, I’m wondering how much longer our city will tolerate having a football team known as “Redskins.” It’s a racist name, patently offensive and the incongruence is simply ridiculous: a world-class institution devoted to showcasing Native American heritage in a city whose leading sports franchise makes a mockery of that heritage. Write an essay agreeing or disagreeing with Milloy’s assertion that the name “Washington Redskins” should be changed. Argue specifically about this team in the nation’s capital, or broaden your argument to the use of Native American names in sports in general.
6. In his 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” (p. 707), Orwell describes the English language by saying: “It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the sloveliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts” (para. 2). Using at least three sources from this Conversation, explain whether you believe Orwell’s statement is true today.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 10 - Entering the Conversation: In his 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” (p. 707), Orwell describes the English language by saying: “It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the sloveliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts” (para. 2). Using at least three sources from this Conversation, explain whether you believe Orwell’s statement is true today.