The Use of Euphemisms in Political Debate

ConclusionThis post explores the theoretical base of using euphemisms as tools of influence. Although there issome excellent research into theseissues related to immigration, it is a field crying out for more experimental and empirical inquiry. Laboratory experiments with human subjects could confirm the effectiveness of specific euphemisms as primes or frames. Since such studies are often criticized for their external validity, a follow-up study that combines content analysis of relevant media with opinion polls that show changes in attitudes could also be useful.An underexplored possibility is how euphemisms and frames affect political debate by spreading confusion.   People accustomed to the term “illegal immigrant” to describe foreign-born persons who are currently unlawfully residing in the United States might initially fail to react as negatively to the term “undocumented immigrant” merely because they don’t know what it means.  As soon as they know what it means, however, the negative feelings they associate with “illegal immigrant” would probably attach to the term “illegal alien.”  Another is how euphemisms build walls around political tribes and prevent them from talking to each other, thus deepening policy divisions that prev ent middle-ground solutions. Special thanks to Jen Sidorova for her initial rough draft as well as her invaluable insights and research.  
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs