Language is a powerful thing, and it changes the way we…
““Language is a powerful thing, and it changes the way we view ourselves, and other people, in delightful and horrifying ways. Anyone with any knowledge of the military, or who pays attention to how the media talks about war, has likely caught on to this. We don’t kill “people.” We kill “targets.” (Or japs or gooks or ragheads). We don’t kill “fifteen year old boys” but “enemy combatants” (yes, every boy 15 and over killed in drone strikes now is automatically listed as an enemy combatant. Not a boy. Not a child.).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Language shapes perception of war, dehumanizing enemies and sanitizing violence.
In simple terms: Words change how we see conflict and people.
Key Takeaway
Choose language that preserves humanity.
Themes
war
media
language
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
essay
analysis
When to use this quote
- journalism
- military communication
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
dehumanization
framing
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What terms do we use to describe conflict?
- How does language affect public support for war?
A Different Perspective
Euphemisms can hide moral responsibility.