Quotation
Quote by Toni Morrison
Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence.
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Understanding this quote
The quote draws a sharp distinction between language that merely describes violence and language that enacts it. “Oppressive language” is presented as harmful in itself, not just as a verbal picture of harm. The point is that words can participate directly in violence rather than standing outside it as neutral representations.
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- NobelPrize.org
- Format
- Official Statement
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