[LM_NET] Share: Obama and Language

[edward nizalowski <enizalowski@NVCS.STIER.ORG>]

At the risk of sounding partisan, one of the changes that has taken
place very quickly under the Obama administration is the way language is
being used and the subtle and not so subtle ramifications of how this
plays out nationally and on the world stage.  We still have the "War on
Terror", but this phrase is no longer the mantra that has been
bludgeoning our senses the way it has for the last seven years.  As a
consequence of the overuse and misuse of the phrase, many in the Middle
East and in the Islamic world in general, have come to view us
negatively and have the impression, very rightfully, that America views
their part of the world and their religion as the enemy.

Wayne Fields, professor of English and American culture studies at
Washington University in St. Louis, gave this analysis:

"'One of the contrasts between the two administrations is the care with
which Obama uses language. He thinks about the subtle implications'.
...The Bush administration 'didn't set out deliberately to do things
that were offensive but they liked to do things that showed how strong
they were, and to use language almost in an aggressive sense.'  Obama,
he said, understands that language and conversation must be worked at
and that it's 'not just a series of sound bites.'"

            This is a great "teachable moment" for any English teacher.
So many students carelessly generate words to fill up space on a paper
or constantly make remarks that can be hurtful or offensive.  We study
1984 by Orwell for the way that language is manipulated and twisted to
promote a malicious agenda.  Having a President who understands the
power of the word and who is very cognizant of the "ripple effects" that
language can create, is another refreshing change for political and
cultural discourse.

            Here is an article online that develops these ideas further:
"Under Obama 'war on terror' catchphrase fading"
http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=116&sid=1589691

Ed Nizalowski, SMS

Newark Valley High School

Newark Valley, NY

enizalowski@nvcs.stier.org

 

"If you have an opportunity to make things better, and you don't do
that, you are wasting your time on this earth."

Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1971

 

Currently reading Cruise Control by Terry Trueman

 


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