Part of me really vibes with this.

But the other part of me says I didn’t choose this language. This is the language of my ancestors kidnappers and abusers. How can this language that was forced upon me violently be given that much spiritual power to shape my reality? https://twitter.com/leariellesimone/status/1325820274021978117

The replies to this are fascinating. Some folks refrain from using certain words because of their literal or culturally/historically derived meaning. And some say that those meanings doesn't matter because it's the speakers intention that matters...

I think that the reason why people are drawn to oracles like astrology is because it's a language that can potentially bypass colonial language violence (linguist! help me out. I'm sure there is a correct terms for this.)

But this also comes down to who gets to define what words mean? Historically reclaiming language is used as a means to self-determination and disarming oppressive systems (ie bitch, slut, n!gga, etc)

There are some folks who would never use any of those words because of the power they perceive them to hold. This is really a fascinating conversation.

I don't think it's black and white though. I think it's more nuanced. There are some words that no intention can overpower because it's not individual intention that gives the word its power. Language is communal and only has meaning in a relational context. At least in some part

Linguistic imperialism is one term that describes what I was looking for when I said language violence

The other fascinating thing about the replies to this thread is how many people really believe that intention can override everything. Many believe a singular person's intention is powerful enough to override history, time, consensus, even material reality.

In theory, yes. But most of us are regulars who don't have the spiritual power.

Sacrifice (physical, material, psychic, emotional, etc) is an absolute prerequisite and concurrent requisite to the acquisition of spiritual power. And yet, we really out here believing that we casting spells all day when we speak and think.

Most of us ain't got it like tht tbh