Doublespeak in the Media

            
             Doublespeak in the media is a powerful tool used to influence our sense of reality. In some instances we are not always sure what is being said to us or about us in the newspapers or when we see the nightly news on television. Doublespeak can be a very destructive form of propaganda.
             Doublespeak in the media misleads the reader with euphemisms, and inflated language. In a report on CBS News, it was reported that the chronologically advantaged citizens are finding it difficult to afford the medications that they need. Let us examine the words "chronologically advantaged". Chronology is a noun, which means, Science of time measurement and dates. The word advantage is a noun also which means; a favoring circumstance. With the two words together, the reporter expects the viewer to know that he is reporting about the older citizens or seniors, and the high cost o their medications. The Daily News reported K-Mart would be relocating over thirty percent of its employees nationality. What is the reporter really saying? Is he saying that K-Mart will move its employees and their families across state lines and across the country; to set them up in new jobs with the company? This is close to the definition of relocate; however in this particular case relocate means; fire and lay off these employees. As I examine the two reports closely, I find that both reporters have deliberately misused the language.
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             The practice of doublespeak is insidious and dangerous, it destroys the function of the language, and it corrupts thoughts, destroys communication and erodes trust. Nearly everyone uses doublespeak. The newspapers, televisions and radios, use it so what is the big worry? The big worry is that our basic communication is language; it helps us think, make decision and express our feelings on the issues of our lives. If the language is misleading, it will mislead our thought process.