Question on English Language?

Question

What is the difference between the following two sentences?

(1) Meritocracy be damned: pedigree counts.

(2) Meritocracy is damned: pedigree counts.

Answer 1

Hi....The difference is the "be" and the "is". When one states "Meritocracy be damned: pedigree counts" One is saying you wish for this to be damned. When one states "Meritocracy is damned" it has already been damned. Past and present so do speak. Hope this has helped. Have a great day!

Answer 2

A government or society in which citizens who display superior achievement are rewarded with positions of leadership. This is where pedigree counts, as lower classed citizens are not considered for high positions where leadership is concerned.

The ideal of meritocracy has become controversial because of its association with the use of tests of intellectual ability, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, to regulate admissions to elite colleges and universities. Many contend that an individual's performance on these tests reflects his or her social class and family environment more than ability.

Translation of the two meanings:

Meritocracy be damned: a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects

Meritocracy is damned: the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth

Answer 3

(1) is an example of the last remnants of the subjunctive or conditional mood in English. Sentences such as this and "Long live the queen" are forms which reflect the Old English subjunctive mood. They are rare in Modern English and usually restricted to formalized sayings like these--"Long live X", "X be damned", "X be praised", etc.

(2) is a simple declarative sentence and there is nothing unusual about its structure.

They mean different things. (1) is a statement that one holds the opinion that (2) is true. (2) is just a statement of truth.

Answer 4

1) it is a wish
2) he's stating it as a fact.