Dishonesty In Political Language
Dishonesty in Political Language
Has dishonestly in politics and political language simply becoming acceptable to the American voter? While many political officials conduct themselves honorably, dishonesty among high-ranking public figures has become all too common in the media as of late. The frequency of presidential candidates making untrue statements, omitting or misstating critical information, or downright lying to the American people about their own past is becoming extremely concerning. These are the obvious ones plastered everywhere by the media. What about the not-so obvious ways politicians mislead and manipulate the public. The following three authors have written essays describing the power of political language. They explain …show more content…
The first is euphemism which are substitutions for unpleasant truths. The second is jargon, referring to specialized language used by a professional or occupational group. When used outside those groups among those unfamiliar with the terminology, jargon becomes doublespeak. The third kind of doublespeak is gobbledygook or bureaucratese. Both describe inflated jargon-clutter used to overwhelm the audience with words. The fourth kind is inflated language which is designed to make the ordinary seem extraordinary.
Using of any of these four types of language with the intention to mislead, deceive, confuse or overwhelm their audience, and fails to communicate clearly, is considered doublespeak. Using these types of political language can be harmful when the audience is unaware of what is going on, because doublespeak alters perception of reality, creating suspicion, cynicism and distrust. (p. 227)
All three essays back each other up providing proof that supports all three closely related arguments. Political language is designed to intentionally mislead the public using words that distort what a politician thinks, believes, has done in the past, or will do in the future, that sway voters one way or another based on false impressions is simply manipulative and dishonest. Where should the line be drawn and how much more deceit will the American people
Has dishonestly in politics and political language simply becoming acceptable to the American voter? While many political officials conduct themselves honorably, dishonesty among high-ranking public figures has become all too common in the media as of late. The frequency of presidential candidates making untrue statements, omitting or misstating critical information, or downright lying to the American people about their own past is becoming extremely concerning. These are the obvious ones plastered everywhere by the media. What about the not-so obvious ways politicians mislead and manipulate the public. The following three authors have written essays describing the power of political language. They explain …show more content…
The first is euphemism which are substitutions for unpleasant truths. The second is jargon, referring to specialized language used by a professional or occupational group. When used outside those groups among those unfamiliar with the terminology, jargon becomes doublespeak. The third kind of doublespeak is gobbledygook or bureaucratese. Both describe inflated jargon-clutter used to overwhelm the audience with words. The fourth kind is inflated language which is designed to make the ordinary seem extraordinary.
Using of any of these four types of language with the intention to mislead, deceive, confuse or overwhelm their audience, and fails to communicate clearly, is considered doublespeak. Using these types of political language can be harmful when the audience is unaware of what is going on, because doublespeak alters perception of reality, creating suspicion, cynicism and distrust. (p. 227)
All three essays back each other up providing proof that supports all three closely related arguments. Political language is designed to intentionally mislead the public using words that distort what a politician thinks, believes, has done in the past, or will do in the future, that sway voters one way or another based on false impressions is simply manipulative and dishonest. Where should the line be drawn and how much more deceit will the American people