Abuse of euphemisms

Abuse of euphemisms

A euphemism is a nice, pleasant word for something that is
awful, e.g. "pass away" for "die", and is useful for reducing
offense when used properly.

Euphemisms are commonly used to ease troublesome situations.
In Indonesia euphemisms have been used rather differently since
the government started using them several years ago. Initially,
they were used to soften or reduce the impact of words on
Indonesians, such as "price adjustment" instead of price
increase. But over the years there has been a tendency to overuse
them, not only verbally but also in acts. This has given
euphemisms a totally different meaning and raised suspicion and
distrust of them.

The recent alleged collusion in the Supreme Court was
described by the Korwassus (special team investigating the case)
investigation as "procedural deviation". Who will believe this?
To what extent was the deviation? And what damage has been done
by it, etc.? These questions will never be answered.

Another example of euphemisms' abuse arose when people started
protesting against the government for campaigning too early in
Central Java. The Minister of Home Affairs simply said there was
no pre-campaign, just some people acting "enthusiastic" about
Golkar. Who believes this? The government has barred people from
certain activities and taken repressive measures under the
pretext of maintaining "national stability."

Take the PDI rift which has been going on for years. The
government is forcing Megawati to step down in recognition of
Soerjadi's chairmanship following the recent PDI congress in
Medan. National stability, I suppose? So, procedural deviation,
enthusiastic and national stability seem to be mere euphemistic
expressions used to conceal something bad or fishy. It is painful
to think of this abuse of euphemisms when we in fact know what is
really going on.

H.W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java