Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Us [Paperback]

The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal in the United States, but that statement does not hold true for words. Some words carry more weight than others--they seem to work harder, get more done, and demand more respect.Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Uslooks at eight dominant words that are crucial to American political discourse, and how they have been employed during the last fifty years. Based on an analysis of eleven separate studies of political language,Political Keywordshelps readers to understand what these terms mean and how they are used.The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal in the United States, but that statement does not hold true for words. Some words carry more weight than others--they seem to work harder, get more done, and demand more respect.Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Uslooks at eight dominant words that are crucial to American political discourse, and how they have been employed during the last fifty years.Based on an analysis of eleven separate studies of political language,Political Keywordshelps readers to understand what these terms mean and how they are used. For example, the book tracks whatpoliticsnow means to modern commentators, how schoolteacher impress certain values upon the nation's children by invoking the office of thepresident, and why an innocent word likegovernmentsometimes makes people so upset. It details how thepeopleare referenced in political talk and how themediaportray themselves. The book also considers the work done by politicalparties, politicalpromises, and politicalconsultantsbecause, together, they shed special light on modern elections. Combining social science with subtle forms of cultural interpretation,Political Keywords: Using Language that Uses Usprovides a fresh look at both American politics and Americanl\