Analysis Of Loaded Words By Derrick Jensen

Writers are often told that their work should be free of bias—that by not staying impartial somehow undermines the message they’re trying to get across. Opinionated works of art and literature, however, can inspire societal and cultural reform. In the article "Loaded Words," published in a 2012 issue of Orion magazine, author and activist Derrick Jensen explains why writing should never remain truly neutral and how it’s ignorant for writers to do so in their work when there are issues going on in the community. As this article is written for an environmental magazine, this analysis of the power of language is then used specifically to convince the reader that environmental protection is a top priority in our society. Through the use

In fact, the use of figurative language to persuade the reader begins in the title of the article. “Loaded Words” is used a metaphor that compares the power of language to that of guns or weapons. This analogy is used throughout the essay. For example, like weapons, words can’t fight by themselves, and this is expanded on when he discusses that actions are more important than simply talk (par. 8). This comparison attempts to make the readers feel empowered knowing the significance their words can hold, and with this thinking, the readers are more likely to find his argument convincing because the emotional appeal is personal. The word “loaded” doesn’t only have to be interpreted to serve as a connection to weaponry, but it can also imply something biased or opinionated. Therefore, the phrase “loaded words” also reinforces his argument that not staying apolitical in writing can be a positive

In one instance, he lists how many books he’s written, yet he says this with humility, saying that he’s honored “beyond belief” that people pay attention to him (par. 11). From this, the reader is able to see the author as a competent writer while also respecting him and, in turn, his views. Jensen also develops his trustworthiness by listing influential authors who freely voiced their opinions (par. 4). This tells the reader he is knowledgeable about examples where not choosing to remain apolitical in writing had a huge impact on society. Likewise, statistical information about wildlife extinction, such as there being “two hundred species per day driven extinct” or “98 percent of native forests destroyed” help the readers agree with Jensen’s argument through logical reasoning (par. 2). Although used sparingly, this factual data also heightens his credibility since he is able to show that there is proof an environmental crisis and not only depend on appealing to