I would like to point to some of my other writings here where I have to be reminded on the subtle differences between “truth” and “fact”. I think this is the most understandable example of this problem. The “understood meaning” and the “definitions” of these words do not match up, yet they are often confused. I myself confuse them constantly.
I believe much of our confusion, hate, fear, and desperation as a people is based solely on the willful or accidental misuse of our words. Our failure to come to an agreement on the “understood” meanings of a word, as well as the words definitions keeps us fighting over the little things and does not allow us discover what really matters to us, let alone come to an agreement on or best way to achieve it.
We as a people are greatly influenced by our media. Our Television and our Newspapers are expected to find the truth for us while we are so busy trying to do what it takes to survive here. They can be compared to our government in that we have to trust them because we have no real choice.
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I am going to try very hard not to talk about money or greed or political views here and simply stick to the “truth” as I see it.
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We have long criticized our government (with the help of our media) for the use of certain words when speaking to us. Our government stopped using words like “bomb” or “kill” a while ago, replacing them with “neutralize”.
Speech writers and media script writers get paid A LOT of money to choose the “right” word to use regardless of whether it is the “correct” word to use. The “right” word is chosen to get a desired response or emotion from us. The “right” word is chosen because of its “meaning.” “Correct” words are used to most accurately give the “facts.” Everything we see and hear is designed to sway our opinion in one direction or another.
If you have the time or are interested at all here is a fun game to play while watching the news. Try to find where the “right” word was used instead of the “correct” word. Now the really fun part is you really can not be wrong in your choice. What is important is that YOU choose which is “right”. Finding where these optional words can be used is the very first step of forming your own opinion on a subject. It is the first step of finding the “facts” in the middle of all the “truth”. Here are only a couple of examples where you might find some differences between the meanings and the definitions.
Eavesdrop vs. Monitor vs. Spy – These words have been used when discussing American policies concerning public and private conversation recording which according to some is in violation of our rights and protection under the constitution.
Terrorist vs. Freedom Fighter- depends on your point of view. In some parts of the world we are the terrorists.
Insurgent vs. Loyalist – Insurgents come from other countries to fight against outside non-Arab influence in the region. Loyalists are Iraqi Saddam supporters who fight against outside non Arab influence in the region. Both are there.
Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom from Religion
Iraqi’s vs. Iraqi people- One means Iraqi leadership and another means those who have to live by their decisions.
I believe you will find that in many / most / majority of cases concerning any type government presentation you will find that someone wants to explain to us in a “simpler language’. Someone is always willing to explain it to you using their words. Unfortunately, this helps you to understand the teachers views but, now you only have one view of the lesson, and it is not your own. You have been influenced by a second party.
Political Language
Our government at times uses a language that can be (is) confusing. Every word is chosen for a desired effect and an implied or understood meaning. Also, sometimes vague wording can be chosen, allowing them time to clarify their meaning later. Let’s face it, you can not please everyone. Our Government knows it, but they try to at least hide the things that they know will really concern us. (Make us mad.) I believe that rarely our government has “lied” to us. The “truth” however is subjective. Regardless of how we feel about it, they for whatever reason feel that that are doing the right thing. It is not until someone makes an “ethical mistake” do we find an ethical answer. To be totally honest it is not until someone makes a public mistake do many of us even bother to ask the “ethical question.”
Simpler Language
The understood meaning (truth) of the words: “Simpler Language,” when used by the media in this way leads us to believe that the same meaning will be kept but understanding will be made easier for those of us who don’t speak the language of Politics.
The reality (fact) of the words: “Simpler Language,” is that if you change one word, you have changed the meaning of the sentence. There is a fine line between the “meaning” of a statement and the “understood meaning” of a sentence. This is a practice a lot of us have perfected while arguing the meaning of “straighten up your room” as opposed to the understood meaning.
My advice to you is to learn the language of politics so that you might be able to find your own “simpler language”. This is hard and is at times very boring, but in the long run can be very rewarding. Do not let anyone decide your “truths” for you without using the “facts” to do it. You need to try to find the “facts” that are hidden in the “truths”.
Some people do not believe that one word can make such a difference in the workings of a nation. If you are one of these people then I would like to remind you of the study of our founding documents, our religious documents (regardless of religion), and our laws. I would like to ask you how changing one word on a resume might make the difference between your job and your welfare check. (Secretary vs. Clerical assistant)
Freedom is one word. With many understood definitions.
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On a personal note the writings here are more reminders and random thoughts meant to help me to get things straight in my own head.
I have noticed that a lot of my writings here are a commentary on our American society. They are the truth as I see them and they are the tools I need to get closer to the facts.
I have spent years working for our government studying the effects of words on the masses. Our soldiers study and are graded on our understanding of how Americans are influenced and how we can be further influenced. It is taught to us to help us to recognize “propaganda” directed against the United States. “War is fought on many battlefields.” (I think I got that from a movie.) Many wars throughout time have been fought, won, lost, or avoided, by choosing the correct words.
www.dictionary.com
Civil War
n.
A war between factions or regions of the same country.
A state of hostility or conflict between elements within an organization: “The broadcaster is in the midst of a civil war that has brought it to the brink of a complete management overhaul” (Bill Powell).
Civil War The war in the United States between the Union and the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865. Also called War Between the States.
Civil War The war in England between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists from 1642 to 1648.
In my heart and mind I believe that every day we witness the results of an ongoing Civil War. In this war allies and enemies change everyday based on the subject. Just like in real wars those who control and understand the technology will be the winner.
If I had to pick a winner then I would put my money on the media. They have more freedom to say and do what they want to do. They can spend their money on what they want to and have no oversight. If and when they make a mistake, they can choose not to talk about it. They have more power to use the government against itself. They have fewer rules to follow and therefore have less accountability. By controlling the information that we see and here from the world they have become the defining judge of acceptability.
You don’t have to pick a side because this is something similar to watching the Gods of Olympus throw lightning bolts at each other. No matter who wins, we are mortals who will live our lives day to day.
