Journal Entry #6: The Art of Connotations and Euphemisms in Language

Why is it that nowadays political figures will refer to torture as "enhanced interrogation," in particular those in favour of the practice? Since long before we were born, political correctness has always restricted people from mentioning certain things in certain ways, and thus taboos have formed in society. People are so concerned about preserving their image that they have become paranoid about maintaining a politically correct stance and avoiding controversies, whether they concern political or social opinions. Going back to the example of torture, a political candidate will never wish to utter "I am in favour of torture," but would much rather say "I am in favour of enhanced interrogation" as, for one reason or another, "enhanced interrogation" is not as bad as "torture" despite being the same thing!

What seems most confusing to me in particular is the idea of connotations (ideas that are implied or suggested) or euphemisms (inoffensive or indirect expressions that are substituted for ones that are considered offensive or too harsh) in conversation. For example, people will often refer to garbage dumps as "sanitary landfills". The term "sanitary landfill" portrays a much more hygienic image that many garbage companies will use to their advantage. Another example is referring to someone as "mentally challenged" rather than "retarded". The word "retard" simply comes from the Latin word "tardus" and refers to slow growth and development. What caused this innocent word to develop into an offensive slang term? All I can say is that human behaviour is extremely irrational, and the common idiom "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" no longer applies in our society.