Our
View: Embellished phrases misleading,
painful
It
is human nature to embellish stories.
Often people will use descriptive detail,
florid language and elaborate sentences
to make their stories more interesting
to others. Many journalists even the
use the term “sexy” to describe
a juicy or especially interesting phrase
that emphasizes a detail in a story.
But, too often people over-exaggerate a situation to elicit a strong response
from their audience, consequently diminishing the true meaning of a word or
phrase.
A commonly misused word is Nazi. The Nazis were a cruel, evil faction of Germany
who tortured and starved millions of Jews, homosexuals, Gypsies and others.
Numerous people across Europe were massacred because their lifestyle did not
conform to Nazi ideals.
An especially tough professor does not merit the term Nazi. By calling someone
who is unkind or displeasing in some way a Nazi is a disgrace and disrespects
those who suffered under the Nazi regime.
Another word frequently taken out of context is communist. Conservatives, especially
in the media, like to accuse anyone with liberal economic policies of being
a communist. According to Wikipedia.org, “communism seeks to overthrow
capitalism through a worker’s revolution and establish a classless society.” It
is also a system based on communal ownership as a means of production.
Calling someone who wishes to expand social programs a communist is an egregious
hyperbole the right uses to evoke a negative response from their listeners
and readers. Fifty years ago, Sen. Joseph McCarthy launched investigations
into the political orientation of many Americans, and consequentially instilled
Americans with the fear of communism. These sentiments still linger within
our nation. Using the term communist is a tactic frequently used by the right
to make leftists appear kooky or extreme.
Also, many people often use the word “retarded” jokingly to explain
someone’s behavior. People with family members who have mental disabilities
are offended when people cavalierly throw this word around in conversation.
They feel it is insensitive toward their family members. This is an entirely
justified feeling. People should try to reduce their use of this word.
The most commonly overused words are definitely “love” and “hate.” People
often use these terms to describe a strong affinity toward objects, ideas and
people. These words carry strong emotions that people use to emphasize their
feelings toward something. Using words like “love” and “hate” to
describe someone or something can result in unnecessary pain and confusion.
The terms “love” and “hate” have a changing definition,
which is different with each person. These words should be used sparingly
and deserve careful consideration before being used.
By misusing a term, the original meaning of a word is lost and the word becomes
trite, lessening the powerful connotations once associated with it. As sensitive,
caring citizens we should use more consideration before nonchalantly using
these terms. Understandably, it is unavoidable to embellish conversation with
exaggerated phrases, but limiting offensive words is paramount in creating
a more compassionate society.
|
