Words to ponder

The use of this word ['inappropriate'] is a hallmark of a particular character that thrived under New Labour. It’s someone who is enough of a moral relativist not to want to use the terms “right” and “wrong”, but not so much of a relativist that they are prepared to forego the power and wealth that comes from passing judgment upon others. Egalitarianism only goes so far. (src)

It's a great insight into the way that people can use their words to undermine someone else's position and build up their own. One of the foremost ironies of this phenomenon is that postmodernists, so adept at identifying precisely this underhand and sinister use of words, are also among the chief exponents of the method. They can sniff out a special-pleader in an instant; dare I suggest because it takes one to know one?

However, I wouldn't, believe it or not, want to make such a strong link between this and the previous government as does Chris Dillow. Perhaps that kind of character did thrive under New Labour, but I think he is falling into one of the traps about which he rightly warns the rest of us: that of ascribing too much influence to a single individual or small group of individuals.

Sin, for that is what Chris is identifying even though he would doubtless dislike the word, is not a problem of politics but of human nature. So don't blame it on Labour, Chris, blame it on us.