OPINION: It is more than a little disturbing to observe how those in power are twisting language and meaning to fit their political agendas.
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
In the 1978 classic The Wiz (aka The “Black” Wizard of Oz), there is a sequence when Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow arrive in Emerald City that features lots of glamorous dancers twirling around and singing the praises of the color green. The color has been chosen by the “Wiz” himself, and it changes on his whim. Indeed, in that seven-minute sequence, we see him quickly change his mind and change the color from green to red to gold. Anyone caught wearing the other colors is bad, and only people wearing the current in-style color are good.
Aside from being a fantastic musical number, it also reminds me of the current state of affairs with those on the right.
You see, those on the right have been engaged in a game of wordplay that has them redefining words and phrases to fit their various propaganda campaigns. Three very loud examples that come to mind are the word “woke” and the phrases “critical race theory” and “quiet quitting.” Stick with me and I’ll explain to you what I mean.
The bastardization of ‘woke’
Remember when being “woke” was considered a good thing? The .
TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!
The post Word games and propaganda campaigns: The right is weaponizing language against us appeared first on TheGrio.
