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Country Quote by George Orwell

“It is almost universally felt that when we call a country democratic we are praising it; consequently, the defenders of every kind of regime claim that it is a democracy, and fear that they might have to stop using the word if it were tied down to any one meaning.” quote by George Orwell
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“It is almost universally felt that when we call a country democratic we are praising it; consequently, the defenders of every kind of regime claim that it is a democracy, and fear that they might have to stop using the word if it were tied down to any one meaning.”

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Essay: Politics and the English Language, 1946

Calling a regime democratic is often a rhetorical move; definitions become political tools.

In simple terms: Labels can be misleading.

Key Takeaway

Question political language.

Themes

politics democracy language

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • media analysis
  • policy making

Key Concepts

critical theory semantics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a true democracy?
  • How do you spot rhetorical labeling?
A Different Perspective

Overuse of the term can dilute its meaning.

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