Words Speak Louder Than Actions, Sometimes- Siya Patil (Week 9)
Siya Patil
Q3 Week 1
Words Speak Louder Than Actions, Sometimes
Both actions and words prove worthy and powerful, given that they are appropriately used in suitable circumstances. For example, instead of just talking about wanting to make a difference in their community, an individual can put some time and effort into leading a nonprofit or raising awareness about a specific issue. Such actions display a person’s desire to achieve something which they are passionate about, ultimately rewarding them with the “hero” label in others’ eyes.
An example such as the one listed above supports the idea of actions speaking louder than words, but it is not to be said that words do not speak louder than actions.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is a name that is most likely not unfamiliar to you. From a young age, we’ve learned that he (along with other African Americans at the time in the United States) grew up dealing with the brutal reality of segregation and racism.
At the young age of 5, King was introduced to the unjust world he would live in for a long time by his mother, as she explained to him why he was not welcome to play with the white children before entering elementary school. In high school, he was forced to stand up on the bus on his way home from a competition as the seats were prioritized for the comfort of the whites. Despite coming from a middle-class family and therefore being granted the privilege of having a higher education than others of his race, the discrimination he faced was the same for other African Americans.
Later on, King would soon rise to become a Baptist minister and civil rights activist. On August 28, 1963, during a march in Washington, King delivered a moving speech (which we should all be familiar with) titled “I Have a Dream.” His words shook the entire nation, as according to a biography by Your Dictionary, “the public was swayed to such a magnitude that major acts of Congressional power were set in motion.” In addition, the biography discusses how a change for the better was encouraged even outside of America as a result of his speech.
In addition, MLK Jr. is still seen as a symbol of peace and equality around the world, serving to be a figure of hope among the oppressed. It’s crazy how much power a single speech can hold, right?
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Hi Siya, words and actions are both powerful in their own ways. I always hated the old saying 'actions are stronger than words' because that is not always true. Words and actions are different and therefore shouldn't be compared. While one situation may require words, another may require action. Both are powerful, but in their own ways.
ReplyDeleteHi Siya,
ReplyDeleteI think your blog covers a wonderful topic. I think that words and actions hold their own powers depending on the situation. For example, if someone is getting bullied then the right thing to do would be to speak up for that person. Directly telling the bully to stop would be effective. However, there are cases where this is too risky. Under those circumstances, the best possible solution would be to take other action and tell someone what is going on. In the example that you gave, not only did Dr. King give speeches, but he began crucial protests as well. Both of these situations together created a change.
I agree that actions and words combined are what really make a difference. You cannot truly do anything with only one and not the other. People do not like others who are “all talk and no action.” I think that Martin Luther King, Jr. is a really great example of words’ power mainly because he was such a gifted orator, and what is ironic (and sad) is that in the bus story you mentioned, King was returning home from an oratory competition about why African Americans deserved equal rights. Thanks for discussing the work of such a powerful and inspirational individual!
ReplyDeleteHi Siya, I read your blog and I understand the point you make how speech and actions can both hold power. Actions, of course, are a way of demonstrating one’s desire and commitment to a goal. Such actions earn respect, which correlates to influence and power. In a similar manner, a speech can express opinions and motivation towards the audience. If well delivered, a memorable speech can institute a sense of influence and power over the people. Both speech and actions constitute of different powers that can be implemented at different times of needs.
ReplyDeleteHey Siya, I feel like this is a good topic to post on for your blog. The Dream speech is a very notable one that I agree most people have heard and been taught about. This is also a really good introduction to power and language because the Martin Luther King speech was a big show of power through voice and words and had a huge impact. This is a prime example of power through words.
ReplyDeleteHi Siya, I really like the topic you brought up that words and actions are both powerful in their own ways. Actions can show people that you are genuine and truly care about the things you are passionate about. Words can influence people on a tremendous scale to do good or bad things. They can also be interpreted in many ways and lead people to take action. In a sense, words can influence people's actions.
ReplyDeleteHi Siya, I agree that both actions and words have power, but I also ask which one has more? I was always told that actions speak louder than words as a kid. However, now in the day of social media and "canceling," it seems to be that words speak louder than actions. I think that actions will always speak louder than words; that is why the phrase "its a lot easier said than done" was created. What is your opinion on the topic?
ReplyDeleteHi Siya, the lasting power of words never fails to amaze me. I find it so interesting that pieces of literature written hundreds of years ago stay relevant to the current era simply thanks to their continued impact on society. And, like the example you brought up, speeches made in the past can easily see their influence last far into the future. Actions may seem more important in the present, but sometimes it only takes a few words to change things for the better.
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