Monday, June 24, 2019
What's In A Word?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the new member of the House of Representatives, used a word that ignited a firestorm of criticism. It is "concentration" as in "concentration camps." Republicans pounced saying she was comparing Federal camps for migrants in the Southwest to the Holocaust. Historians responded by saying the use of "concentration camp" was a phrase employed well before Nazis started mass extermination. The reality is that "concentration" is a loaded word when used in conjunction with "camp." it should be used sparingly and with the context explained. AOC didn't do that, and she has engaged in a waspish back and forth with members of the Elephant party. That only makes things worse. It is a reminder in communications to know the sensitivities of word usage. What might seem innocent to a speaker can be seem as profoundly offensive to the listener. AOC meant to strike sparks but she might not have been implying that the Administration is filled with Nazi sympathizers, It would have been better had she made that clear from the start.
Comments:
Post a Comment