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Abstract class war | 74 comments (74 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)
Re: Without misconceptions (4.00 / 5)
The word flashing here is "propaganda"; the deliberate use of:

1. information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.  
  1. the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.  
  2. the particular doctrines or principles propagated by an organization or movement.  
  3. Roman Catholic Church. a. a committee of cardinals, established in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, having supervision over foreign missions and the training of priests for these missions.  
b. a school (College of Propaganda) established by Pope Urban VIII for the education of priests for foreign missions.

Esp. No.3  You can't defeat propaganda by deciding that a word can't mean X, Y, or Z.  In Orwell's 1984, doublespeak worked because words were removed from the language.  Without the word to think the thought, there was no thought.  But if we endlessly clarify a word, or change it subtly (all words change subtly over time; etymology is fascinating--to me), or just make some up for the hoil of oot, and laugh at those who use democracy when they mean no such thing...by using it against them...

The problem is the deliberate use of words to an end by Ze Purrs Dat Be, but it seems this power is on the wane as the word has left the presses and leapt into the internet...

Well, that's the hyperbole.  If the political discussion is formed by The Sun, The Mail and [add your local examples here], then "higher" words are irrelevant as "traitor", "scum", "coward", "cheat", "liar" etc. are used as...weapons?  I've lorst the plurt!  Eek!

Don't fight forces, use them R. Buckminster Fuller.

by rg (leopold dot lepster at google mail dot com) on Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 at 11:48:26 AM EST
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Jerome a Paris 4
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melo 4
Nomad 4
Gaianne 4

Abstract class war | 74 comments (74 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
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