Posted by
NancyVidedo on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 5:26:57 PM
As the new year starts, its time for all good citizens to update and revise their vocabulary to reflect the new, improved, politically-correct definitions of certain words and phrases.
Propelled by the exciting notion that words that mean nothing can often mean anything, favorite words of the left took on new meanings in 2008. Meanings that had less to do with the word itself, than with associating a particular word with a vast array of 'feelings', designed to mangle the original meaning and grant it a new, improved definition.
Leading the list is the trendy word
inclusiveness. The word itself invokes feelings of moral superiority and open mindedness. After all, who doesn't want to be 'inclusive'?
The new, expanded definition of inclusiveness has become a potent weapon, especially when applied to legal arguments. Under the heading of 'inclusiveness', liberals are now able to justify any number of left-leaning pet causes in the courts and the court of public opinion.
Inclusiveness is used to validate and empower fringe groups like transsexuals, illegal immigrants, Guantanamo detainees, and any number of weird religions. By lumping these fringe groups with the majority under the rubric of inclusiveness, they are automatically granted not only acceptance, but legitimacy. Pretty nifty, huh?
Almost as good as inclusiveness, is the word tolerance. Being tolerant is a virtue, implying, as it does, an open heart and open mind. Christian virtues, if you will. Under the new meaning of tolerance, it is now virtually impossible to criticize any aberrant act (unless performed by an intolerant conservative). Being tolerant now means suspending judgement, common sense and traditional values. Not to worry, you get to keep the moral high ground.
In a close third, is the much used word meanspirited. The definition of this adjective has been expanded to apply to any one whose facts can not be challenged. By labeling a person meanspirited, there is no need to rebut his underlying argument. The motives of the messenger become the issue, neatly invalidating any inconvenient truths contained in his argument.
One of my favorite new words this year, is the word stimulus. It evokes titillating, exciting and positive feelings. To stimulate is good. To be stimulated is great, right? Few people want to acknowledge that the word 'stimulus', as it is being used these days, means government spending. I take my hat off to the genius who finally figured out a way to make pork barrel spending exciting and necessary. (I bet its the same guy that decided to call taxes 'investments')
Last, but not least, is the word green. Green now means good. 'Being green' automatically includes ...