Language - Shaped Thoughts Due to a Limited Language

The language we speak is not solely a device through which we communicate idea, but rather it is a lens through which we view the world. This lens varies from language to language, resulting in cultures that have different value systems, solely based upon a different vocabulary. As a society, we also have norms regarding how we go about discussions of particular subjects, such as art, logic, and law. However, these norms greatly vary from culture to culture, and are subject to the limitations of any particular language.

A great video I found on TED some months ago: The Secret Powers of Time

In my Logic class we have spent entire periods discussing the word choices that an author makes. This can be seen in George W Bush's address to the American People after the attacks of September 11, 2001:

 "I've ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to help the victims and their families and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed this act."

Folks. The use of the words folks in this statement instantly changes the entire "texture" of this speech, for the American Public feels as if they are being talked with, rather than being talked at. 

This was seen in the Do You Speak American? video, in which Bill Clinton was studied for his use of dialect. As being fluent in both "standard" American English and English with and Arkansas accent. This allowed him to be an effective speaker in many situations, for in addressing fellow leaders and politicians he could use his flat English to convey a serious tone. On the other hand, while speaking to the American People, Mr. Clinton could revert to his Arkansas accent, which would allow to to gain a familiarity with the people and avoid any threatening tones. 

This language conflict can be seen today, most notably in the American value system. In America, we value progress, integrity, and studiousness. This can be attributed to a strong vocabulary in those terms. Some languages may lack the capacity to describe the notion of progress. Not to say that the language is entirely lacking in certain feature, it just may be weak. This can be see in philosophical discussions, in which words like university, idea, and moral, all become rather meaningless. This demonstrates how a language may be lacking in certain aspects, limiting its use.       


  

       

Food - To Sustenance and Beyond

We live through what we eat, and as a result "we are what we eat". This statement can be interpreted as either, the food we eat becomes part of out bodily structures or that our dietary choices reflect who we are as people. Both of these sides are established, however it is the latter that Leon Rappoport chooses to support and elaborate upon in his essay "How We Eat".

In this essay, we see how the food choices we make are the result of factors beyond the biological necessity for fuel. For example, this can be see in our choice of comfort foods. In that we usually choose starch heavy foods for they "are metabolized much more slowly then sugars and have a calming effect on the emotions". This is a demonstration of how food choice is a reflection of an internal, emotional desire. 

Choices in diet can also be see as an external indicator of one's gender identity, when viewed through the paradigm of classic sexism. So foods such as fruit, yogurt, and salads, maintain a more feminine connotation. Whereas, heavy foods like corned beef, steak, and spinach, maintain a masculine image.

I would agree with the paragraph above, for I have seen it my own personal experience. In class we talked about social expectations, and that other will judge us upon a set of established norms. These norms are reflected in the foods that it is "acceptable" for one to eat. I try to eat as healthy as possible: high protein, non-refined starches, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and no sugar. To many this diet is unusual, and warrants many strange glances in class. For if I take out a bag of salad, a bottle of chia seeds, or a container of milk and muesli, I often get the reaction of, "You're eating what?" Although the food are perfectly acceptable in other environments, at BHS these foods lie outside the norms that have been established. 

A similar trend of norms/dietary choices can be seen in today's child obesity. The Information Age has given way to a generation of kids who want thing, and who want those things NOW. This attitude is reflected in their choice of fast food and easy to prepare, but unhealthy, snack foods. This shift in demand is a major cause of the obesity pandemic, as well as rise in the use of personal electronics. Also, the rise of fast food and fall of physical activity has been made acceptable by a changing set of social norms. This shift in norms has allowed these issues to arise, and must be changed in order to regain the lost ground.       

Problem?