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How does the use of passive voice reflect power dynamics in communication by emphasizing the action or result over the doer? How does it allow speakers to avoid responsibility, shift focus or defer authority? Why is passive voice often used by those in power to remain impartial or vague?
The use of passive voice in communication can reflect power dynamics in various ways. By emphasizing the action or result over the doer, passive voice can shift the focus away from individuals or entities taking responsibility for their actions. This can allow speakers to avoid accountability, shift focus onto the action itself rather than the person behind it, and defer authority to a more general source.
Passive voice is often employed by those in power to maintain a sense of impartiality or vagueness. This ambiguity can be strategically used to distance oneself from specific actions or decisions, creating a layer of detachment that can be advantageous in delicate or controversial situations. Additionally, the use of passive voice can create a sense of authority or importance by framing actions as if they occur independently of specific agents.
In conclusion, the use of passive voice in communication can serve as a tool to manipulate power dynamics by obscuring accountability, shifting focus, and maintaining an air of impartiality.