MISINFORMATION, Using Doublespeak As Censorship

 

The word of the day is misinformation. Those using it are often trying to censor speech and opinions, which they call "dangerous," in an effort to silence those they oppose. Labeling the views of those you oppose as misinformation that must be squelched is a way of utilizing "doublespeak" as a form of censorship. 

The claim someone is spreading misinformation diminishes the message of your opposition or detractors. It implies they are lying or simply do not know what they are talking about. When put in context, it also reinforces the idea "me good, them bad" even though it requires no proof the accuser is telling the truth.  

Doublespeak is defined as language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. This can be in the form of euphemisms, such as "downsizing" for layoffs and "servicing the target" for bombing a location. Doublespeak is primarily used to make the truth sound more palatable. The flaw in what you have read is this is not just about doublespeak but something far more sinister, it is about something bordering on straight-out lies.

The term "doublespeak" flows from concepts in George Orwell's novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. This term, as well as "Newspeak" are not used in the novel but are descriptions of the misleading type of speech often used to deceive. Screaming that something is misinformation and those spreading it are awful immediately paints them as unreliable or dishonest. At the same time, it is a way of elevating the speaker or writer to a higher plane of honesty.

Declaring a message as misinformation and not directly answering a question are powerful weapons in burying the truth and spreading propaganda. It opens the way for someone to take us down the path where they can spout scripted platitudes and prepared sound bites. Sadly, this has become our world, and it seems, polarization will continue to only make it worse. This is a reason to be wary of those slick talkers gifted in promoting their agenda. 

(Republishing this article is permitted with reference to Bruce Wilds/AdvancingTime Blog)