Thursday, January 13, 2011

Blood libel? ...

Listen carefully to the language use in this response to the recent Arizona assassinations:

Sarah Palin: "America's Enduring Strength" from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.


And compare to this:



And this:



And this piece on the history of the phrase "blood libel" from Salon.com

And this editorial from the Washington Times, which adds "pogrom" to the mix.

2 comments:

  1. Sarah Palin's use of the term "blood libel", (which I doubt few today have ever heard the term or know its origin) shows how defensive she and others in the Tea Party are feeling when it comes to encroaching on the rights of free expression. I think she used this term as a simile for her party being falsely accused of inciting a criminal action. Isn't this the way language evolves? - my 2 cents - wheejv

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  2. Sarah Palin's use of the term blood libel has probably drawn so much controversy because of the term's anti-semitic and negative connotations. It goes to show the powerful feelings that can be attached to words and language. It is interesting that same meaning, but expressed in different ways can bring up such differing emotions in people.

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