Some scholars believe that there is no intrinsic meaning in phenomena but that humans actively construct meanings and attach values. The argument that humans actively construct meanings suggests an active process and implies a certain amount of agency in terms of how humans construe and act in the world. Further, the notion of agency gives rise to the possibility of resisting the powerful, negative effects of loaded language and hate speech, and allowing for social change.

However, others argue that language is powerful and that values inherent in the words we use shape our perceptions and those of others. The argument that language is powerful suggests that words shape our lives in concrete and material ways, especially in terms of our identities. 

Do you think these two statements contradict one another?

What about in relation to the notions of hate speech and loaded language?