Technical jargon functions as a silencing weapon against unschooled residents

Evidence

This tactic played on the lack of sophistication of the Chester residents and effectively silenced them. As one resident remarked, “Every meeting we left feeling like our tail was between our legs, because they always tried to make us think that what was happening was not happening.” — Luke W. Cole and Sheila R. Foster, From the Ground Up, 235

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: A permit was granted for capacity tenfold the legally allowed maximum — Luke W. Cole and Sheila R. Foster, From the Ground Up: Environmental…, 249; Technical self-education does not win residents a seat at decision tables — Luke W. Cole and Sheila R. Foster, From the Ground Up: Environmental…, 236; Deploying technical jargon in public meetings functions as a silencing tactic against residents (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Euphemistic language converts recognized harms into neutral technical categories #expands (0.85) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1651
• Language can be weaponized to sanitize wrongdoing #expands (0.85) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 388
• Passive voice and jargon are teachable techniques for hiding agency #expands (0.80) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 373
• Passive voice and inflated jargon constitute teachable techniques for opaque writing #expands (0.80)
• Euphemistic base terminology deliberately minimizes perceived U.S. footprint #expands (0.75) — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 148