I am in the process of getting this published in an Occupy Journal The manipulation of language is serious and prevents us from engaging in serious dialogue.
In 1946 George Orwell wrote
Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilization is decadent and our language -- so the argument runs -- must inevitably share in the general collapse. It follows that any struggle against the abuse of language is a sentimental archaism, like preferring candles to electric light or hansom cabs to aeroplanes. Underneath this lies the half-conscious belief that language is a natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes
Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes: it is not due simply to the bad influence of this or that individual writer. But an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely.
"From Politics and The English Language 1946.
Now, in 2012, we of the 99% have witnessed one thousand fold a manipulation of our language Mr. Orwell, in his worst nightmares would have never imagined. This manipulation exists for sole purpose of stifling debates, deciding outcomes and, preventing rational and persuasive arguments from ever being presented. The purpose of this article is to create a public acknowledgement that our language has been taken over for political purposes and collectively address solutions that would allow for a greater and more inclusive dialogue.
Webster defines “language” as the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community. The problem with identifying these manipulations is complicated, often being confused with the evolving nature of language. This evolution, outside of political manipulations, is often the result of adaptions to technology: For example, in 2012, phrases such as “texting ”and “IMMING” have become quite common. We no longer speak of telegraphing” or “wiring” as these phrases refer to technology that is outdated and no longer in use. Orwell spoke of “aeroplanes” and “hansom cabs”; peculiarities of British English that never existed in the American dialect.
American English is also evolving as a result of Demographic changes where an ever increasing Latino population has introduced “Se Habla Espano”; “Piñata”, and “dinero”; into commonplace conversation.
The greatest challenge we face in the Occupy Wall Movement is to differentiate the political manipulation of language from the evolutionary developments exemplified above. Here are some of the examples of political manipulation:
Support the Troops
This phrase should imply a dedication and commitment to the men and women who serve in our armed forces. However, its political manipulation is to justify or stifle debate concerning a military intervention (or war) without any discussion of the plight of our armed forces personnel during or after military service. The manipulation is strongly inferred “if you don’t support the war, you don’t support the troops” No one, especially a politician, wants to go on record as “not supporting the troops” As a result of this manipulation, perpetual wars ensure, persistent conflicts and an ever increasing military budget that the United States neither needs or can afford but will never be challenged as the language prevents the debate from proceeding.
The political phrase “Support the Troops” is an extension of previous manipulations such as “Soft on Terror previously “Soft on Communism” when the Soviet Union was classified as “The Evil Empire”
Big Government
Americans report they fear Big Government but enjoy and support Medicaid and Social Security (two of the biggest components of the Federal Budget after the Military). Paradoxically, they, overwhelmingly oppose privatization and/or cuts these programs Like “support the troops” “Big Government” is a term without a specific meaning: A phrase designed to generate a “Visceral Response” that cuts off any further discussion. This termination of any discussion allows for terrible consequences
For example, Americas’ bridges and tunnels are in disrepair as reported by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The repairs would require significant public investment that could help struggling local economies and municipalities. However, little progress is made as this could be interpreted as “Big Government” and politicians of both parties avoid the issue.
In conclusion, if the Occupy Movement is to be a major cultural and political force in this country, we must “take command of our language”
We must, as Orwell advocated over 60 years ago, speak precociously, using words and phrases that the community understands and universally interprets. Avoid using long words when short ones will do; and refrain from scientific jargon (with the exception of Peer Reviewed Journals)
We must never allow the 1% to define our words and never let their catch phrases go “undefined”
This is our language not theirs. The tyranny of our politics will never cease until the manipulation of our language is halted.