"I am firm; you are obstinate; he is a pig-headed fool” was an example used by Bertrand Russell to indicate how the same event, fact, or in this case person, can be described in different ways according to the point of view of the speaker.
Other examples might be:
- I am a freedom fighter: you are a guerrilla: he is a terrorist.
- I have reconsidered the matter: you have changed your mind: he has gone back
on his word.
- I enjoy a good meal: you eat more than is good for you: he is greedy.
- I almost won: you didn't win: he lost.
- I'm thinking: you're daydreaming: he's got nothing to say.
- I'm taking a break: you're relaxing: he's laying around.
Answer all questions as a comment to this post.
1. Create two more examples where the words you choose create a different connotation.
2. Look up the word ‘black’. Note its definition.
Look up the word ‘white’. Again, note the definition.
What, if anything, can you conclude?
3. What is the difference between a devout believer and a fanatic?
4. When the soldiers in ‘America’ in 1775 were fighting against the British, were they freedom fighters or terrorists? Justify your choice.
Also, write down another historical event where the outcome could have been described very differently. How has language been used to 'create value' in the case you describe. (Note: don't use WWII, that's too easy.)
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