Language is not morally neutral because the human brain is not neutral in its desires. Neither is the dog brain. Neither is the bird brain: crows hate owls. We like some things and dislike others, we approve of some things and disapprove of others. Such is the nature of being an organism.
Margaret Atwood's statement highlights that language is inherently influenced by the desires and moral judgments of those who use it. It suggests that just as humans possess specific likes, dislikes, and ethical viewpoints, so do other creatures, like dogs and birds, exhibiting their preferences and biases, such as crows' animosity towards owls. This indicates that the way we communicate is not a neutral process; it reflects our complex inner landscapes.
Atwood emphasizes that our brain's wiring shapes our perspectives and interactions, making communication a personal and subjective endeavor. This perspective underscores the importance of understanding the context behind our words and the implications they carry, as language plays a crucial role in reflecting and negotiating our values and beliefs.
