Based on the first six words of Chavez’s article, the reader is led to think that the purpose of the article is to promote civility. Chavez confidently uses the word bellicose to describe the metaphors used in politics. Bellicose, a word meaning eager to fight, is a perfect word for the political world, because they (more often than the common American) are eager to fight and use any range of vocabulary to win for their cuase.
Through the usage of uncommon words such as “schizophrenic” Chavez describes the usage a colorful vocabulary that has been recently debated over. By using such unordinary words, Chavez obviously takes the side of using uncommon and sometimes vulgar words as long as the words have the correct and appropriate intentions and then tries to influence the reader to use such intentions when containing a colorful vocabulary. She best proves her point when she describes the Los Angeles Times restricting certain racial descriptor words and then goes on to say that “It is rarely the words themselves but the context and intent that matter.” She is saying that as long as the words you use have good motives, it is perfectly acceptable to use those words. But if you are intending to harass, any word will hurt.
Through the usage of uncommon words such as “schizophrenic” Chavez describes the usage a colorful vocabulary that has been recently debated over. By using such unordinary words, Chavez obviously takes the side of using uncommon and sometimes vulgar words as long as the words have the correct and appropriate intentions and then tries to influence the reader to use such intentions when containing a colorful vocabulary. She best proves her point when she describes the Los Angeles Times restricting certain racial descriptor words and then goes on to say that “It is rarely the words themselves but the context and intent that matter.” She is saying that as long as the words you use have good motives, it is perfectly acceptable to use those words. But if you are intending to harass, any word will hurt.
Although Chavez makes some fantastic points, I have to disagree with her. In the earlier days, words she describes such as “nigger” or “gay” had originated with completely different meanings than what they are commonly known as in modern day. As unfortunate as it is, Americans today can take any word from the English dictionary and find an inappropriate meaning to it. It’s sad, but that’s the American nature.
Even if you have correct motives behind words, especially commonly offensive words, any American human will most likely take it in the wrong context. Generations today are becoming more selfish, oblivious to any courteous meaning that may lurk behind an unusual word, immediately taking offense to it. I would like agree with Chavez, but due to the lack of respectfulness that Americans now bring to the table, I am unable to.
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