Metaphors, Civility, and Language Debate

1.   Chavez’ intent in the first six words of her column is to get the reader to understand that when anyone is speaking in the public eye it is essential to be courteous and polite concerning who you are talking to or about.

2. Chavez decided to use the word bellicose in her column because she is trying to point out that meanings behind many of the words used in any circumstance can have an alternate meaning. She uses the exact word bellicose to show that some words that are used in politics can have an inclination or eagerness to fight in their meanings. She shows this by explaining that the word “campaign” that is used today in politics refers to a battlefield or military decisions.

3. Chavez is attempting to persuade the reader into believing that the words themselves are not the real problem, but the intent behind the words that anyone chooses to use is actually the problem. The best example that Chavez uses to support her point is when she talks about changing the “n-word” in the novel Huckleberry Finn, and how it does not allow reader to learn of racism and the social moves of the past. She uses this example to point out to the reader that by changing this word into slave the children in schools today will be the ones who are affected.

4. I agree with Chavez because I think that it is important to think first but also to realize the intent behind the words used. The meaning behind the word is the real issue.