2 questions --- Good question! I think that the frequency of usage does indeed break down our resistance to a term. I still find 'smart power' problematic but I don't bat an eyelid when I read about it because I recognise that the author is genuinely using the term on his/her own terms in trying to promote an argument about best policies and not trying to promote some devious 'the ends justify the means' approach. Intention is therefore relevant even at this level of god use.

Another question is whether we become brainwashed by these terms? Do euphemisms genuinely make us see bad things in a good light?

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu