Mahesh - Week 11: Conformity and Subsequent Obedience

Mahesh - Week 11: Conformity and Subsequent Obedience

The relationship between power and language can be analyzed in terms of historical precedence and context that can be dissected to provide a thorough understanding of how societal norms of power have developed. Although this relation can provide insight into our comprehension of power dynamics of the past, it is important to realize that our current events can also map the connections between language and power fairly simply. Many adopt the principles of using hashtags and tagging others on social media to demonstrate their common views on a certain issue. By proving their interrelationship, they build a common ground of values with which they can address widespread issues that require exigency to fix.

The call to action is evident in such instances that can inspire others to join the cause as well. Styles of language used in online interactions can create instantaneous connections between one another that can aid in a long-term process analysis of the changing power dynamics; power is now expressed as strength in numbers. The emphasis on the usage of the vernacular language in social media can inspire feelings of belonging to a community. The connectivity of social media can create an inclusive environment for those who feel ignored in real life.

These massive gatherings of people on social media can occur within minutes and act as a social policing force. In this way, power is equally distributed among communities in regard to their political awareness and social activism. Thus, language can act as a barrier between different viewpoints in the process of political discourse and can additionally inspire a feeling of power among the audience depending on the speaker’s socioeconomic status. Communicative power structures on social media seek to undermine the traditional power dynamics solely based on wealth and status. As we work toward a more equal societal structure, remembering the power of language in creating an inclusive place for every individual is a special point of emphasis. A creative standpoint for viewing the attachments between power and language can be found here: news.stanford.edu/2019/08/22/the-power-of-language-how-words-shape-people-culture/ 


Source: 

Krezel, Agata. medium.com, 1 October 2020, www.medium.com/@agata.krezel/the-handmaids-tale-accd0d8ae124/. Accessed 21 December 2023.

Comments

  1. Shreeya SharmaFebruary 21, 2024 at 5:13 PM

    Hi Mahesh. I think your blog brings up an interesting topic for discussion, as social media is a significant platform for promoting one’s political views. The ease with which someone can communicate to hundreds of thousands of people is astounding because if one person decides to present a controversial point of view, then countless others can see it and maybe express their support for it. Consequently, a new group will form, filled with supporters of these beliefs, and we can see this happening with trends and online communities. I agree that social media plays a powerful role in shifting power dynamics in our society, as more young people use social media to express their opinions. Additionally, the hundreds of influencers add to the growing power of social media today. Holistically, I found your blog to be thought-provoking, and I’m glad you brought up this dynamic.

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  2. Jaiganesh NagarajanFebruary 21, 2024 at 7:23 PM

    Hey Mahesh, your blog was very intriguing and interesting to read as I also agree that many of our views are dictated by what we see on social media. I agree that social media has allowed people to work together to come to a clean consensus on an issue and has allowed us to improve dynamics. Social media creates a window for people to be heard if they have had no opportunity to be heard in the real world. The idea that everyone is equal because they are all just avatars behind a screen, with people only knowing that they have similar views to them on a pressing topic. These groups of people can end up making large changes as they can convince more people to help bring awareness to an issue.

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  3. Patrick ChouFebruary 21, 2024 at 9:56 PM

    Hi Mahesh, I found myself being able to relate to your observations, especially the on about how social media shapes our views. Its slightly concerning how social media platforms have made it easier for viewership and shaping of people's views. I think the idea of anonymity behind screens has leveled the playing fields and can give a voice to people who have historically not had a chance to voice their opinions to a world stage. I agree with you when you say that social media plays a vital role in spreading opinions, the reach that these platforms have can enable people to share their ideas with a broad audience.

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