The official name of the party of the Democrats is "The Democratic Party". Why do conservitives use the term "democrat" as an adjective when it should be "democratic"? As in "democrat senator - vs democratic senator. If they're going to do that, shouldn't they also use it the same way with republicans: republic senator vs republican senator?
And why did they start doing that any? Are they afraid calling someone "democratic" makes them sound more positive.
2007-11-29 04:43:44 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Antilib - Democrat is the noun - democratic is the adjective - so it's "he/she is a democrat" and "he/she is a democratic senator" See the difference?
2007-11-29 04:51:30 · update #1
it's called "framing the debate," and they've been doing it for 40 years.
it's like the phrase "tax relief" -- i'll bet you've even said that yourself a few times. but stop and think about what it does for a minute:
it takes away all positive connotations for taxes, even though taxes build our roads and teach our kids. it turns taxes into a burden (you've heard "tax burden" before, too), something one NEEDS relief from.
never think for one second that phrasing is some sort of accidental thing for conservatives. it is purposeful and effective, and we must combat it on sight.
2007-11-29 04:54:42 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been trying to figure out if this is a regional or subcultural pattern. There may be people who simply have that habit.
However, I suspect that some market-research outfit has done a survey and determined that the word "Democrat" has more negative connotations than the word "democratic"; at least, that usage seems to be particularly associated with opponents' activities.
That particularly seems to include several writers of questions here on Answers.
I have to admit that some Democrats do contribute to those negative connotations, however.
2007-11-29 04:59:57 · answer #2 · answered by Samwise 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
another liberal claiming to be a vicitm.
What don't they just change it to the Victim Party.
Just a bunch of Anti's ... I wished they had something they stand for, and not against everything..
Such a negative party.
2007-11-29 05:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by estimator01 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ok, I will start calling people democratics... are you a democratic?
2007-11-29 04:53:47 · answer #4 · answered by nothing 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who said republicans started it ...they call themselves democrats
2007-11-29 04:48:15 · answer #5 · answered by Antiliber 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋