This Segment is Controversial
Actually, our topic is that word itself—controversial. And I’m guessing that if you don’t agree with what I have to say, you’ll no doubt say my comments are controversial. But if you agree, then they are just comments.
Think of that in the context of public discourse these days, and the way such discussions are covered in the formerly mainstream news media.
Strictly speaking, the dictionary suggests that “controversial” is the adjective form of controversy, meaning a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention, especially one unfolding in public and involving a stark difference of opinion.
More and more, though, I’m hearing “controversial” used as a modifier to describe some public policy proposals that have very little opposition. If the proposal is introduced by someone on the political right, it’s a “controversial proposal”…but when introduced by someone on the political left, it’s certainly not termed controversial…meaning by implication that it’s not controversial, which is a way through use of language to skew public opinion on something that may know nothing about.
Calling something “the governor’s controversial proposal” immediately puts you on alert to be predisposed against it. Far more appropriate to say “the governor’s proposal” and then outline what it would do, without glossing it with the pejorative adjective. And again, that’s especially the case when proposals coming from the political left…for example, to legalize abortion at any stage through a Constitutional amendment…are not tagged as “controversial” but instead implied to be rational and worthy of acceptance.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating…language is important. Calling a GOP majority the “Republican-controlled House” but a Democrat majority the “Democrat-led Senate” is another verbal sleight of hand that if you’re not paying attention, is designed to subtly alter your neutral viewpoint before you even hear details.
I dare say nothing I’ve noted in the past two minutes is inaccurate or biased…but if you don’t like it, no doubt these days you’ll say it’s controversial.
