George Carlin was one of my favorite comedians. He really understood the importance of language in society and how it could help or hinder us in making progress. He also made language fun.
In one of my favorite bits, he talked about how the euphemisms we use help disconnect us from reality. He gave some serious examples. For instance, a condition called "shell shock" in World War I has morphed and changed over the years to become "post traumatic stress disorder". Carlin said the newer term doesn't sound as bad and might be part of the reason it is difficult to get Veterans the care they need for this often debilitating problem. Of course, he also ponted out many funny examples as well: "At some point during my lifetime, toilet paper became bathroom tissue. I was not notified of the change." That is classic Carlin.
This week, The Line gives several examples of state government programs that would be a lot harder to cut if their name actually described the service they provide. Here is my favorite:
"SSTS grants: Its acronym is totally meaningless, but even saying "sub surface treatment system grants" doesn't convey the urgency of why this needs money. If it were called something like "money to fix leaky septic systems so they don't ooze poop into our water," there isn't one Minnesotan who would support cutting it. We guarantee it."
Check out this weeks issue of The Line.
