The other day I started to write a separate post about the nuances of the English language. The reasons for not finishing it aren’t important, but I was reading a CNN.com article about falling ice in Toronto, and came across some interesting nuances of language in the article. Here are some excerpts:
Story highlights (btw, this feature is the ultimate enabler of Adult ADD)
• Falling ice forces closure of major roadways
• Car windshields smashed
• Repeated freezes and thaws left ice on structures
Roads closed to traffic included parts of the Gardiner Expressway, an elevated freeway that leads to downtown Toronto, causing major traffic snarls during the morning rush hour.
What caught my eye was the sense of danger and eminent doom with which this article was written. Rather than write, “Major roadways closed due to falling ice”, the author has used the word “FORCES” to convey a sense of action and urgency. Instead of “Car windshields damaged”, they are “SMASHED”. Are there traffic delays? No, there are “MAJOR TRAFFIC SNARLS”.
I know that anxiety causes readership, and that sensational journalism isn’t new by any means. I think what’s upsetting is the lack of interpretation most readers apply to these type of articles. I imagine that most readers see this and sense that Toronto is in a turbulent state of fear, when in reality most Torontonians (really?) probably think, “Falling ice? Bummer. Pass the Labatt, would you?”
What’s interesting to me about all of this is the subtle difference between words. Like I said, “forces” paints a chaotic picture, as opposed to “caused”. “Smashed” conveys destruction and anarchy, while “damaged” seems imposing, but orderly.
The bottom line: Pick your words carefully people. They’re all you’ve got.
And on that lame ending, I will talk to you all soon.