Writing and Power

By completing the first major writing assignment, the literacy snapshot essay about language and its relation to my identity, I explored the power and value of words. This prompt was a way to deep dive into my own personality and the reasoning behind thinking and using certain language the way I do.  

 

I was able to reflect on a moment which shaped my perception of the person I am through language. The moment I chose to reflect was the criticism I got on an essay. Not only did I realize the weight the criticism had on my self-esteem, but I also realized that in that moment the power belonged in my teacher's words to me. Additionally, I recognized the importance of the language I use in an essay and its impact on the influence the essay holds. 

 

By completing this essay, I was able to truly acknowledge the power that lies in every word that is written or uttered. I reflected that the words spoken hold greater power than is often acknowledged. More importantly, through the process of forming this essay, I learned that the language in writing has no power if it is not composed and used in a meaningful way. Writing is carefully structured and places power in the hands of the person that uses it adequately. While an important message often lies within writing, if the composition, structure, and word choice is not paid attention to, the writing loses its ability to impact the reader. It influences the power within the author's hands. Through reflection of each component of this essay, such as the moment in which my writing was not enough and the words of my teacher impacted my own sense of power, I have been able to gain an accurate understanding of power in writing.