Calling sex by its name thereafter [the 17th c.] became…
![“Calling sex by its name thereafter [the 17th c.] became more difficult and more costly. As if in order to gain mastery of it in reality, it had first been necessary to subjugate it at the level of language, control its free circulation in speech, expunge it from the things that were said, and…” quote by Foucault Michel](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/6ae/foucault-michel-62564_censorship_calling-sex-by-its-name-thereafter-the-1_1175862.jpg)
““Calling sex by its name thereafter [the 17th c.] became more difficult and more costly. As if in order to gain mastery of it in reality, it had first been necessary to subjugate it at the level of language, control its free circulation in speech, expunge it from the things that were said, and extinguish the words that rendered it too visibly present. ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Language was used to control and suppress sexual discourse, making it harder to discuss openly and more costly to express.
In simple terms: Sex was censored through language.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how language shapes power over topics.
Themes
power
language
sexuality
control
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
discourse theory
social construction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does naming affect power?
- What are the costs of silence?
A Different Perspective
It can also empower marginalized voices when reclaimed.