Yes indeed good points, carnism, authoritarianism, and patriarchy all use euphemisms to cover up the harm they cause, and that harm is often done to an absent victim. In carnism, we use words like "harvesting" or "processing" to hide the reality of killing animals. Authoritarian regimes do the same thing, calling violence "re-education" or "collateral damage." And patriarchy? It uses phrases like "boys will be boys" to excuse harmful behavior. In all these cases, the language helps distance people from the harm, making it easier to ignore or accept. The victims are kept out of sight, which lets the system keep going without people questioning it too much.
Euphemistic language is based on the absent victim - both in authoritarianism and in carnism. And in the patriarchy too.
Yes indeed good points, carnism, authoritarianism, and patriarchy all use euphemisms to cover up the harm they cause, and that harm is often done to an absent victim. In carnism, we use words like "harvesting" or "processing" to hide the reality of killing animals. Authoritarian regimes do the same thing, calling violence "re-education" or "collateral damage." And patriarchy? It uses phrases like "boys will be boys" to excuse harmful behavior. In all these cases, the language helps distance people from the harm, making it easier to ignore or accept. The victims are kept out of sight, which lets the system keep going without people questioning it too much.
Language is a powerful tool - both for oppression, and for liberation!