Weezy27/ Derrida

"There never has been and never will be a unique word, a master name." This quote from Derrida really sums up the reading well in my opinion. Derrida talks a lot about the meaning of words which he defines as names. He says that names carry much power because of the meanings underlying each word. He says that all words have something called “the trace” which means that behind all words there is a strong meaning. He then says that with this trace comes multiple meanings and each meaning leaves a trace on the word which helps define it. He then compares it to Benjamin’s idea of authenticity which I found very interesting. He says that since words can carry so many meanings is the word still “authentic.” At first, this concept was pretty hard for me to wrap my brain around but I stepped back and really thought about it, it all began to make sense. If a word has multiple meaning, what, then, is the original meanings of words? Or are their original meanings within words?

I also really liked the idea that language gives us structure, sign, and play. This is so interesting because its very true. With language, there is meaning, and it is easy to play with meaning in a word. Since, class I’ve caught myself thinking of Derrida a lot. It’s kind of annoying but I have begun to analyze meanings within certain words. I feel as if I am learning more and more each day to avoid becoming a passive consumer.