Consensus Quote by Gloria Naylor
“Words themselves are innocuous; it is the consensus that gives them true power.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Women of Brewster Place, 1982 (or essay)??
Words are harmless until society collectively assigns them power, shaping their impact.
In simple terms: Consensus gives words their real influence.
Key Takeaway
Be mindful of how group beliefs shape language.
Themes
language
power
society
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observation
insight
When to use this quote
- media discourse
- political rhetoric
- education
- advertising
Key Concepts
Social construction
collective meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does consensus alter word meaning?
- Can we reclaim neutral language?
A Different Perspective
Words can be weaponized despite neutral origins.
