Language of Killing - and the 'Tone' of course.

This is an old Blog Post from January last. I was reminded of it during the last few days. The blog refers to a German movie with English subtitles; there is an English version too 'Conspiracy' from 2001 with Kenneth Branagh in the lead role.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266425  It is relevant because of the words and phrases chosen to describe killing people, in this case, the Jews.

I’ve been watching a very interesting and disturbing movie, named ‘Die Wanseekconferenze’. (The Wansee Conference, a German 1984 production, English subtitles). This was a meeting between high-ranking Nazis and SS held in January 1942. Its purpose was to present ‘the Final Solution’. We all know what that was, though it doesn’t say so directly – mass murder on millions of people perceived to be in the way of the Third Reich.

There’s a roomful of men present, and one woman to take the minutes. After a drink in the drawing room, Himmler’s second-in-command, General Reinhardt Heydrich, enters and briefs the men upon the plan.

Part of this grim plan was to transport the Jews East, put them to work in labor camps, and expect that through ‘natural causes’ (i.e. worked to death in freezing conditions, though this is not of course alluded to directly) many will die – the survivors were to be dealt with ‘appropriately’. There is talk of trucks and deadly gases and special centers where the Final Solution will be implemented.

The Language gripped me. Never once do they use the word ‘Kill.’ There is no allusion to Suffering, Pain, Heartache, Agony, Sickness, Injustice...no inference at this conference (the script taken from the Minutes) but that they are doing anything but Good.

In an informal moment before the meeting begins, Eichmann, the man in charge of the Deportations, must show a little truth. He has heard that trains are being damaged; windows broken, and he has to inform his superior, and the reason for the damage is because ‘they (the Jews) want the ice’ ‘Why?’ asks his senior officer. ‘Thirst,’ replies Eichmann, almost embarrassed to mention that uncomfortable truth.  He also alluded to ‘elderly, kids’ – this however is dismissed – nobody wants to humanize the People destined for death.

And so Language is very important. After all, the Nazis want to be nice, civilized people. Cultured, with Families, they are not beasts – oh and certainly would not wish to be thought evil, of anybody, their neighbours, or for that matter the English, or Americans, or History. History will thank them – they are sure of it! In their world, this Nazi culture, they are not doing anything wrong. It is a part of being civilized, to get rid of the people who are in the way.  Personable, good-looking men, well-groomed, jocose – you would not hesitate to ask any of them for directions if you were lost, and you would get very polite instructions. You would go upon your way thinking – ‘Nice guy.’

And they fool even themselves.

What of the language of Abortion? Do we ever hear the word ‘Kill’? Aren’t those doctors and nurses who work in abortion clinics very nice, personable – oh, they do not look like they would do anything bad! They do not think they are doing anything bad! They have fooled themselves too. In this culture of acceptable killing, they do not have to question themselves – it’s legal! I know this because I worked in a National Health Hospital in England where abortions were done. To my shame, I even took part in one. But everything Hitler did was legal as well! There are sometimes very bad laws!

ProChoice people never speak of Death. They do not even speak of Life. ‘Life,’ insists, Cécile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood, begins at birth, (So why check for a heartbeat at prenatal checks? Why keep a Kick Chart?) The language of Choice does not use the word ‘Baby’. When referring to Abortion, the phrases are ‘Fetal Tissue.’ ‘Products of Conception.’ Suffering and pain during an Abortion? TABOO! If a wanted fetus needs surgery, anesthesia is provided. If he or she is to be aborted, the arms and legs may be pulled off without a thought as to sensation.

They are seen on ultrasound to scream, but because the vocal cords receive amniotic fluid instead of air, the screams are not heard. Medical Pathology students have noted expressions of agony on the faces of mid to late-term aborted babies.

Choice depends upon Language. Take it away, and you have nothing that a civilized people would want anything to do with. Suffering and Death. Yes, there are crisis pregnancies, many of them – but Abortion is not an acceptable solution. Death is Final, and the baby cannot come back, no matter how much the abortion is regretted later. And above all, the ProChoice lobby must keep the Language of Choice for those most directly involved – the mothers. They end pregnancies, no there’s nothing there, it’s not a baby yet, it won’t feel anything. You’ll get on with your life.
A Message: God is Merciful. He forgives, when we acknowledge our sin.