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Old Words, New Meanings
Nancy Morgan
RightBias.com
January 5, 2009
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As the new year starts, its time for all good citizens
to update and revise their vocabulary to reflect the new, improved, politically-correct
definitions of certain words and phrases.
Propelled by the exciting notion that words that mean nothing can often mean anything,
favorite words of the left took on new meanings in 2008. Meanings that had less
to do with the word itself, than with associating a particular word with a vast
array of feelings, designed to mangle the original meaning and grant it a new,
improved definition.
Leading the list is the trendy word inclusiveness. The word itself invokes feelings
of moral superiority and open mindedness. After all, who doesn't want to be inclusive?
The new, expanded definition of inclusiveness has become a potent weapon, especially
when applied to legal arguments. Under the heading of inclusiveness, liberals
are now able to justify any number of left-leaning pet causes in the courts and
the
arena of public opinion.
Inclusiveness is used to validate and empower fringe groups like transsexuals, illegal
immigrants, Guantanamo detainees, and any number of weird religions. By lumping
these fringe groups with the majority under the rubric of inclusiveness, they are
automatically granted not only acceptance, but legitimacy. Pretty nifty, huh?
Almost as good as inclusiveness, is the word tolerance. Being tolerant is a
virtue, implying, as it does, an open heart and open mind. Christian virtues, if
you will. Under the new meaning of tolerance, it is now virtually impossible to
criticize any aberrant act (unless performed by an intolerant conservative). Being
tolerant now means suspending judgement, common sense and traditional values. Not
to worry, you get to keep the moral high ground.
In a close third, is the much used word meanspirited. The definition of this
adjective
has been expanded to apply to any one whose facts can not be challenged. By labeling
a person meanspirited, there is no need to rebut his underlying argument. The
motives of the messenger become the issue, neatly invalidating any inconvenient
truths contained in his argument.
One of my favorite new words this year, is the word stimulus. It evokes titillating,
exciting and positive feelings. To stimulate is good. To be stimulated is great, right?
Few people want to acknowledge that the word stimulus, as it is being used these
days, means government spending. I take my hat off to the genius who finally figured
out a way to make pork barrel spending exciting and necessary. (I bet its the same
guy that decided to call taxes 'investments')
Last, but not least, is the word green. Green now means good. 'Being green' automatically
includes you in the ranks of those who worship Mother Earth. It confers instant
piety without the need to waste your Sunday going to church.
Tithing has been neatly replaced by carbon credits. Whew...no need for any Hail
Mary's. Just fork over some cash and you are automatically granted absolution, which
now means being certified carbon neutral. The only caveat is, the tithing and
absolution must be done in a public manner, preferably with a camera or scribe in
attendance. Lacking that, labels are available that can be affixed to your clothing,
accessories or car proclaiming your carbon footprint is, indeed, carbon neutral.
Besides adding new meanings to words, 2008 also saw other words fall out of favor.
Bad words, mean words, words that hurt.
First on the list of the new bad words is judgemental. The very word implies extreme
intolerance, a definite no-no for anyone desiring to be part of the fellowship of
man. Making judgements, formerly called having an opinion, is now verboten under
the new rules of polite society.
Also falling out of favor is the word argument (formerly called debate). Argument
implies intensity, unreasonableness and anger. Now, anytime a liberal starts losing
a heated debate, all they have to do is label it an argument and, presto, they can
walk away while still maintaining the upper hand. Very cool. And very effective,
making totally unnecessary the viewing of both sides of the debate, I mean argument.
As we go to press, other words are in the process of being redefined and/or banned.
One of the most vexing to replace is the word bailout. Any progressive who can
suggest a new, improved word to replace bailout, will win a prize. (The winner will
be declared carbon neutral for a full year.) But remember, the new word must evoke
feelings of tolerance, inclusiveness and piety. Oh, and it should be green, too.
We await your suggestions.
Nancy Morgan is a columnist and news editor for RightBias.com
She lives in South Carolina
Article may be reprinted, with attribution
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