linazelle
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:08 PM
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Where did this phrase come from? Every time I hear it, it bothers me. So I've been thinking (a rarity) and here's why I think it is a cheap shot by the media.
It is often used by so-called journalists to attach issues to our side. The problem with "the" is, it is very limiting and defining and seems like some kind of a putdown when used with a group as large as ours. Think Democrats, vs. the Democrats. There's something left unsaid or implied by the "the" that I just can't pinpoint. The other fact is, you hardly ever hear the phrase "the Republicans."
I remember that Democrtas used to be the standard term for us, and of course Republicans remains the standard term for them. So what gives. Am I paranoid, or is there something else hidden in this language that makes us sound like some small group being relegated to the sidelines?
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tom_paine
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:17 PM
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1. Not sure I agree with you, linazelle |
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I mean, the whole "Democrat Party" thing is a well-established propaganda slur.
Not sure about this, though.
Got a link to some prominent examples?
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linazelle
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:19 PM
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2. I really don't have a link to any examples...it's just something |
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I've been noticing for quite a while and I usually see it on television shows where there are alleged journalists.
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tom_paine
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:29 PM
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3. OK, but I am still skeptical |
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That it is a concerted effort like the "Democrat Party" thing.
Maybe you're right. I mean, how long did the Democrat Party slur go one before people realized what it was and what it was about.
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NC_Nurse
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:38 PM
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what you're talking about. The "Democrat Party" slur?
What is that?
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mac2
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Wed Mar-03-04 05:35 PM
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4. Hadn't heard "The Democrats" was a bad phrase. |
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Is that like "The Republicans", "The President"?
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linazelle
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Wed Mar-03-04 08:26 PM
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Using "the" with a singular noun as in the president is one thing, and as I stated I rarely hear it used with republicans. This may be really silly on my part and mean nothing. I just wanted to see if anybody else felt the same way.
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InhaleToTheChief
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Wed Mar-03-04 08:32 PM
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7. I hear what you're saying... |
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It has a sort of ostracizing feel to it...like when right wingers, defending their opposition to gay marriage, start by saying, "Now, look, I have noting against the gays..."
It seems degrading somehow...separatist more than it does without the "the".
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linazelle
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Wed Mar-03-04 08:37 PM
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8. sheesh....at least somebody can relate |
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you captured the feeling I have about it perfectly.
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InhaleToTheChief
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Wed Mar-03-04 08:40 PM
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9. Well, that's because you and I... |
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...have a highly attuned sensitivity to the subtleties of the English language.
;)
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Sat May 04th 2024, 02:11 AM
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