So-Called, Scare Quote Journalism
Forget neutral reporting, this is loaded language times two.
Did I tell you about my friend?
That’s a neutral question. You don’t know what’s coming next. I might talk about her ski trip or her car accident.
Did I tell you about my so-called friend?
That’s loaded language. From the outset, I’m telegraphing negative judgment. I’m implying that she’s false. Untrustworthy. Corrupt. A fraud.
Did I tell you about my quote-unquote friend?
More loaded language. A different way of saying so-called friend. Air quotes (also called scare quotes) convey sarcasm.
Month after month, journalists have told us about the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy.’ This isn’t neutral reporting. It’s loaded language times two.
Apparently, calling it a so-called convoy isn’t prejudicial enough. Afraid we’ll miss the cue, the media throws in scare quotes as well.
Which would be hilarious if it weren’t so pathetic.
Yes, I agree. The language used has been offensive throughout. The "so-called liberals" have their own ideas about the what '"democracy" and "free speech" means.
Good point Donna, so subtle yet powerful. Thanks for pointing out how these quotes are being used.