Language and Thought

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Governments and marketing organizations are adept at manipulating language to affect the way in which we think about certain topics. This article informs us about how language can be abused in a particular way. Pornography commonly portrays women saying no to the sexual advances of men when they really don't mean no. One of the consequences is that women who say no are silenced. The word no does not mean what it is supposed to mean to men who have been schooled by pornography.

There are lots of reasons for not believing what politicians tell us but propaganda can be used to silence politicians in a way similar to that of silencing women. For example, soon after Obama was elected to the presidency a campaign was underway to deligitimatize him. Issues were raised about his citizenship, his religion, and his Americanism. They effectively silenced the president's speech for many Americans. He no longer spoke for the majority of Americans even after winning the election by a large majority.

Politicians can also appropriate the meaning of certain words. For example, the invasion of Iraq was called Iraqi Freedom. Given the value that has been attached to the word freedom in the US, those who opposed the invasion were guilty of opposing freedom. They were effectively silenced.

There is lots of debate today about whether or not to cut taxes. There are good points that can be made for and against tax cuts. However, when a proposed tax bill is given the name "tax relief", more people will respond favorably to the bill. Similarly, the bill that deregulated the banking industry in the US was called the Banking "Modernization" Act. Who could be against modernization? The use of language in this way is typical of many bills proposed and passed by government. For example, those who oppose the estate tax claim that they oppose the death tax.

At another level, Fox News claims that is fair and balanced. Even its viewers understand that it has a point of view that is hardly balanced. That is why they watch it. On the other hand, Fox has effectively silenced other sources of news since it positioned itself against the "main stream media" which is not fair and balanced. In a sense the media can't be trusted so why bother to view other sources of information since they are all biased.

Most people are unaware of how language can be used to effect their thinking. In fact, many would argue that they are too smart to be fooled by propaganda. There is a reason, however, why government and marketing organizations spend lots of money on experts who help them to choose the words they use wisely.