Speaking words in collective struggle is itself a form of action

Evidence

Since Wittgenstein, we know that language games comprise both linguistic exchanges and actions in which they are embedded, and speech-act theory has put on a new footing the study of the discursive sequences constituting social institutionalized life. It is in that sense that Chantal Mouffe and I have defined discourses as structured totalities articulating both linguistic and non-linguistic elements. From this point of view, the distinction between a movement and its ideology is not only hopeless, but also irrelevant – what matters is the determination of the discursive sequences through which a social force or movement carries out its overall political performance. — Ernesto Laclau, On Populist Reason, 45 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Opinion-based groups convert broad ideologies into collective action — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 842; Words and political talk themselves constitute subversive action; Joint action toward material change builds solidarity that words alone cannot — Naomi Klein, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror…, 1085 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Words and political talk themselves constitute subversive action #corroborates (0.95)
• Discourse fuses language and action, dissolving any ideology-movement split #expands (0.85) — Ernesto Laclau, On Populist Reason, 45
• For the colonized, speaking itself replaces violence as the first act of self-assertion #exemplifies (0.82)
• Joint action toward material change builds solidarity that words alone cannot #complicates (0.78) — Naomi Klein, Doppelganger, 1085
• Reality is produced through collective work and action #corroborates (0.72) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 386