The thought strikes me that we no longer reverence language. Certainly many appreciate the marvelous way in which masters such as a Shakespeare can give new life to ordinary words, or how a poet such as a Dickinson, Browning or Yeats in their poetry can elevate language to the level of art. Nevertheless, it appears that we are all too ready to sit by as words are co-opted and contorted to express concepts that are counter to their actual meaning.
Witness how supporters describe the "ella drug" which was recently approved by the FDA. Supporters choose to describe this drug as contraceptive when in actuality the drug begins working days after conception. This is the "morning after" pill designed to be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after intercourse. The very description of the effects of this drug make it evident that it is an abortifacient, not a contraceptive. But the creative use of language makes it appear much more benign. (information here)
Perhaps we will get to the point that we allow infanticide to be termed "post-natal contraception."
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very interesting take. thank you.
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