Colin Phan - Week #9: Because I Said So
Language is a strong tool, however, not many phrases hold as much authority as “Because I said so.” This short phrase has been said throughout many generations, and is a statement that adults can hold power over children. Although it sounds pretty dismissive, I could argue that that phrase is one of the most powerful sentences ever.
It’s kind of funny how “Because I said so” is like the verbal way of a mic drop. It ends arguments, skips explanations, and makes the conversation over with. There isn’t any reasoning in it either—it’s just authority in four words. I never found a comeback for it as a kid. It’s the go-to answer for everything and everything that adults might not feel like explaining, like “Why can’t I skip school?” “Because I said so.” Even if the situation is totally random, it still ends up working.
I think this phrase shows its power by reminding kids that adults make the rules. It’s just a phrase of authority. It takes away negotiation and shows who’s in charge. However, I believe that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It reminds us that leadership can mean making hard decisions without a debate. “Because I said so” also mirrors how the world works. It shows that there are rules, and that there is order. Although the rules might not always be perfect, this phrase captures authority in a simple way–direct and unforgiving. I feel like one day, as adults, we will end up saying this phrase as well, although right now, it seems like a pain to hear. It’s a reminder that some things don’t need long explanations to hold meaning. “Because I said so” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a symbol of how authority and certainty can shape the world.
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteI found the title of your blog extremely interesting and captivating. I like how you tie together elements of language and power with the phrase “Because I said so.” This phrase is commonly used even today, and it gives the audience a sense of what your blog is discussing. I also enjoyed the fact that you explained how adults use this when they just do not want to argue with kids. We have all experienced this before, and it makes your blog relatable to the audience. The image is also well selected as it clearly displays the phrase and shows an adult saying the phrase which relates to what your blog was discussing. For the conclusion, I like how you predict that we will end up using this phrase as adults, as if it is passed down through generations and will stay with the human race potentially forever. The reference to how it represents authority also seals the deal with your blog and ties everything back together. I had a great time reading your blog.
-Krish
Hi Colin, I often find myself saying that phrase more as I grow up. My mom will ask me why I'm playing games or watching YouTube instead of doing homework, and I'll just say "Because I said so." Using this phrase gives me power despite living in my parents' house, eating the food they bought, and using the water and electricity they pay for. However, this short-lived feeling of power ends as my mom lists a plethora of reasons why I hold no power in the house. When I was a kid, the situation was completely different. The unspoken words that came implied with that phrase led me to immediately listen to any request without question, and I never dared to use that phrase as an excuse. I agree that that phrase does indeed end short arguments and complaints that I would have as a child who didn't understand the value of money, often asking for unnecessary toys or stationery. I love your blog and the relatable topic you focus on, as well as the relationship you draw with the idea of power.
ReplyDeleteHi Colin! Out of the blogs this week, yours really stood out to me! I’ve heard that phrase many times from my parents but have never really used it myself because it sounds sassy. Like you mentioned, “because I said so” is such a simple phrase yet holds the power to effectively and quickly establish authority, and maybe that’s why parents love to use it when they don’t have the energy to give long explanations to their kids. I find the phrase so interesting because it provides zero reason/evidence to back up the words but it still allows you to prove yourself right. I found the comparison between the phrase “Because I said so” and a mic drop very creative because they both signal the end of a statement and deny all disagreements. Maybe I’ll start using that phrase more often on my friends whenever I feel like asserting dominance!
ReplyDeleteHi Colin, I found your blog post about the phrase “because I said so” to be quite amusing and fascinating at the same time. I feel like this is a classic motto used by parents often when they are too lazy to explain themselves or don’t feel the need to. It’s a classic case of parents subjecting their authority of their kids, simply because kids are inferior to their parents in most cultures and households, and can’t really do much if their parents ask them for something. Regarding my personal opinions about the statement, I don’t personally agree that it’s the right thing to do as a parent. I believe that parents should be more open with their children, even if that means disclosing information that might seem boring or unnecessary. Obviously, there are exceptions to this if there is something that is a sensitive topic that cannot be immediately revealed to children or if the children truly do not deserve an explanation. However, for the most part, I am mostly of the opinion that more open communication from parents is better, not worse. I additionally feel that kids usually don’t take a statement like this in the best way, since it seems very aggressive.
ReplyDelete-Ritwik