The Power and Corruption of Words
Our Dependence on Words
We are constantly surrounded by words. They are present in the laws that govern us, the instructions that guide us, the novels that entertain us, and the sentiments we share with others. Despite their omnipresence, we often overlook their crucial role in holding our society together and the ways in which we misuse them.
In today's world, words are frequently misused and distorted, leading to a degradation of political and economic democracy and trivializing fundamental human interactions.
The Celebration of Words
Stephen Vincent Benet, in his poem "American Names," celebrated the power and authenticity of words. His poem serves as a reminder that genuine words are filled with meaning.
Unfortunately, in today's American landscapes, we find an abundance of synthetic words. For instance, pharmaceutical advertisements on cable television feature drug names that are not found in dictionaries and are often difficult to pronounce. These names are the creations of marketing experts who aim to make consumers feel a certain way about their products.
Errant Naming and Its Impact
The misuse of words and the creation of meaningless names can be referred to as gobbledygook. This term was used by Texas Congressman Maury Maverick during World War II to describe vague, pompous words that lacked clarity and meaning.
Public philosopher Harry Frankfurt referred to such misuse of words as "bullshit" in his book "On Bullshit." According to Frankfurt, bullshitters are not necessarily liars, but individuals who are indifferent to the truth.
The Devaluation of Words
The devaluation of words can be attributed to various sources, including the greeting card conglomerate Hallmark. Once, people used to pen down their heartfelt feelings on paper, but now, these sentiments are mass-produced and sold in stores.
The use of emoticons is another example of the devaluation of words. These symbols, which are less creative than the drawings our ancestors made on cave walls, were introduced by computer scientist Scott Fahlman in 1982 as a way to convey humor in emails.
The Decline of Literacy
Today, literacy rates are declining. A survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that only 9% of 15-year-old students in industrialized countries were able to distinguish facts from opinions. In the United States, one-fifth of all adults are illiterate or nearly illiterate.
This decline in literacy can be attributed to digital distractions and the lack of rules on social media sites. The use of automated writing and the degradation of words by traditional guardians of words, such as editors, have also contributed to this decline.
Politics and the English Language
In his essay "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell argued that democracy is undermined when politicians use vague and misleading language. The term "fake news," which has been widely used in recent years, is an example of this misuse of language.
The Importance of Sound Words
Despite the misuse and corruption of words, we cannot deny their importance. Sound words, when written well, are the tools that help us understand and navigate the world. They are the hammers and chisels that enlighten and move us.
Bottom Line
The power and significance of words cannot be overstated. They are the tools we use to communicate, understand, and navigate our world. However, the misuse and corruption of words can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, and the degradation of our society.
What are your thoughts on the power and corruption of words? Do you agree with the points raised in this article? Share your thoughts with your friends and join the conversation.
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