Manipulative Language

Language, while instrumental in communication, can be a weapon that, in the wrong hands, can do monumental damage. From Hitler in Germany in the 1930s and 40s, to modern day politicians looking to get re-elected, language is constantly manipulated in order to promote personal agendas. People are easily persuaded by emotional speeches and essays, and thus these have become some of the most effective tools for politicians to inspire populations to put them into power, or to enact their ideas and beliefs. These tools have been consistently used throughout history by both good and bad leaders; it's generally accepted that a successful political movement needs a skilled speaker, who can inspire crowds that their movement is genuine. Martin Luther King Jr. is a good example of a leader who used the incredible power of language for good, leading the American Civil Rights Movement into success with his passionate speeches that he was so well known for. On the other hand, leaders like Adolf Hitler and Mussolini used their skillful manipulation of speech to trick and deceive their people, causing the rise of Fascism in Europe, and subsequently, the holocaust that killed so many people. It is our responsibility as people to educate ourselves on political issues, and not let political wordplay persuade us to chose a side based on our emotions. Instead, people should look at modern political topics through the lense of an unbiased source as opposed to a politician's manipulative speech, and decide their stance on issues based on the actual issue, and not strategic propaganda.