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