One of the things I enjoyed most about Chapter 4 in our textbook
was the use of euphemisms. The examples
in the book that defense strategists used were mind boggling to me. I had heard the terms “collateral damage” and
“friendly casualties” before, but never really put thought into the meaning
behind them and how they were mean to downplay the fact that American troops
were being killed in war by American bombs and in turn made it easier for
Americans to dismiss. Well apparently it
worked because these euphemisms were unnoticed by me. I think as parents we use euphemisms with our
children to protect them from the reality of the dangers in the world or saving
themselves from embarrassment or perhaps to ease their own comfort level. For example, many parents teach their
children nicknames or euphemisms for their private parts to avoid embarrassing
situations if the child blurts out the real word in public which could be
socially awkward.
This part in the book was also very interesting, because I never really though about it that deep myself. I also sort of knew the phrases, but when I started thinking about it, first thing that came into my mind was the kids example that you brought. I also do the same for my son, and I teach him in a "secret" name to say some things that I would not want him to say in public. Great comparison.
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