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Maddy Kilberg

Mr. Harden

Honors English 10

30 March 2023

Article 1: "The Art of Political Double-Speak" by Ari Shapiro (NPR, February 23, 2017)

My first article discusses the use of political double-speak, which is a form of language

used by politicians to avoid taking a clear stance on a controversial issue or to mislead the public

about their true intentions. The article notes that double-speak has become increasingly common

in politics and provides examples of politicians using this tactic in recent years. The article also

discusses the potential consequences of double-speak, such as eroding public trust in politicians

and making it more difficult for the public to hold politicians accountable for their actions.

Specifically, the author discusses the case of Evelyn Garcia, a candidate for the Nevada State

Assembly who was accused of using doublespeak, or intentionally vague or ambiguous

language, to avoid answering questions directly and to manipulate her audience.

My second article provides a more theoretical analysis of double-speak, exploring its

origins and effects. The author argues that double-speak is a form of language manipulation that

is used to control and influence people's thoughts and behaviors. The article also discusses the

role of linguistic relativity in double-speak, which refers to the idea that language shapes our

perception of reality. The author notes that double-speak can be used to create a false sense of

reality, in which certain actions or beliefs are normalized or accepted, even if they are unethical

or immoral. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of

language and the ways in which it can be used to manipulate and control people. In summary,
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both articles highlight the use of political double-speak as a language tactic used by politicians to

avoid taking clear positions on controversial issues and to manipulate public perception. While

the first article focuses on recent examples of double-speak in politics and its potential

consequences, the second article provides a more theoretical analysis of the origins and effects of

double-speak, emphasizing the role of language in shaping our perception of reality. Both

articles underline the importance of understanding the power of language and the potential for its

manipulation in politics. Doublespeak is often used to justify unethical or immoral actions by

using language that makes them sound more palatable or acceptable.

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The article "Evelyn, Doublespeak, and the Gas lighters" by Hugh Jackson discusses the

use of manipulative tactics by politicians and others in power to deceive and control their

audience. Specifically, the author discusses the case of Evelyn Garcia, a candidate for the

Nevada State Assembly who was accused of using doublespeak, or intentionally vague or

ambiguous language, to avoid answering questions directly and to manipulate her audience.

The article argues that doublespeak and other forms of manipulation are used by those in

power to maintain control over their audience and to avoid accountability for their actions. The

author suggests that it is important for individuals to be aware of these tactics and to actively

question those in power to hold them accountable and prevent them from abusing their power.

The article also highlights the role of the media in exposing manipulation and holding those in

power accountable. The author argues that the media has a responsibility to report on

manipulative tactics and to help educate the public on how to recognize and resist these tactics.

Overall, the article serves as a warning against the dangers of manipulation and

encourages individuals to be vigilant and critical of those in power.

The article "Doublespeak dominates our language" by Melanie Addington discusses the

prevalence of doublespeak in contemporary language and its impact on communication and

understanding. The author defines doublespeak as language that is intentionally vague or

misleading, often used to avoid accountability or to manipulate others.

The article cites examples of doublespeak in politics, advertising, and other areas of

public discourse. The author argues that doublespeak is used to obscure the truth and to

manipulate people's perceptions and actions. In particular, doublespeak is often used to justify

unethical or immoral actions by using language that makes them sound more palatable or

acceptable.
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The article concludes by calling on individuals to be more aware of doublespeak and to

actively resist its use. The author suggests that individuals can do this by being vigilant in their

consumption of media and public discourse, by questioning language that seems vague or

misleading, and by using the language themselves that is clear and honest.

Overall, the article highlights the negative impact of doublespeak on communication and

understanding and emphasizes the importance of clarity and honesty in language.