Issue #37
February 28, 2005
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A Confucian Solution to a Modern Problem by Sten Grynir In the 5th century BC, Confucius was faced with providing a philosophical and practical solution to the political chaos, corruption and misrule of his time. Among the principles he promulgated for a just and harmonious society was one called "rectification of names". He asserted that words have meaning, that everything should be called by its proper name, and that people should endeavor to live up to the names they were called by. "Let the ruler be a ruler, the father a father, the son a son."
Calling things by their proper names has fallen out of fashion. George Orwell was off by twenty years, but he basically got it right. War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength. We have not had such a flowering of deceptive names since communist nations were called "democratic republics".
Think what would happen if things began to be called by their proper names: confusion would be reduced, and people could make proper decisions again.
SUVs pollute the air, menace smaller vehicles and use excessive amounts of gasoline. Their sales are driven by their macho image. The name SUV (sport utility vehicle) conjures images of off-road exploring and heavy hauling.
Take a look, though, at what the vehicle really is, and what it is really used for. Call it by its proper name and sales will plummet: station wagon.
Now try to rectify the following names:
- Homeland Security
- Democratic Leadership Council
- Right to Life
- Compassionate Conservatism
- Our National Pastime
- Strict Construction
- Free-market Capitalism
- DCMA
- Singer/Songwriter
- Labor Leader
Two prizes of insignificant value are offered. One prize will be awarded for the best rectification of the above list. The other prize will be awarded for the best list of five additional names most in need of rectification, and their rectified nomenclature. deadline for entries is September 25th. In case of ties, duplicate prizes will be awarded.
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