|
Conservatives need to discover a new vocabulary, to demonstrate that they are interested in something more than just economics
Of all the phrases in common discourse one of the most inaccurate is 'sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me'. I am sure that everyone can remember a harsh word that has hurt them deeply. Words are powerful.
Shakespeare's words still thrill today. The Bible's words have shaped two thousand years of morality. The Psalms inspire the worship of Jews and Christians.
The right words are essential tools in politics
But just as words can expand horizons they can also limit them. They can hurt and heal. They can be employed for good and ill. Hitler's words, which he chillingly described as building bridges into the unexplored, stoked evil in men's hearts. Churchill used his broadcast messages as key components of the counter-attack.
Today, the advocates of political correctness understand the power of language. For example, pro-abortionists always speak of the 'foetus' because it dehumanises the unborn child.
In the last few years Labour's bid for power has used words as much as policy. The 'new' word was the sword in Labour's armoury. 'Change' was its spear. I believe that events will eventually catch up with Labour and the lack of substance behind the rhetoric will be exposed. Nonetheless we have to acknowledge the part played by wordsmiths such as Alistair Campbell in creating the national mood and perception which underpinned Tony Blair's victory.
A new Conservative vocabulary
Peter Lilley is directing our Party's policy review. I have every confidence that Peter has the intellectual depth to produce radical policies in our Party's best traditions. Good policy is only part of the battle, however. We must find words and phrases which define our hopes for Britain. What energises us? What makes us different? Almost as important we must avoid words that limit us. We must, for example, avoid language that gives the impression that we are only interested in economics or the 'bottom line'.
Related links
Gary Streeter MP on the importance of civil society
| |
