Mary Saunders
April 1, 2009
Writing 121

Michael Kinsley’s “Weasel Words,” examines a topic that every American is very familiar with, the false claims and gimmicks made by advertisers so prevalent in today’s consumer world. In the article, Kinsley analyzes the different strategies that advertisers use to try to market their product to the consumer as expertly as possible. Advertisers have mastered the art of false promises and gimmicks in order to lure in as many customers as they can. This article outlines the many ways that advertisers are able to persuade the consumer, such as “weasel words,” which are words that appear to be making a claim for a product when in fact they are making no claim at all.
I could identify with this article because I often notice the doublespeak and empty promises found in advertisements I see on TV, the internet, magazines, and billboards. I especially noticed the use of the word “help,” which advertisements use to try and convince the consumer that the product will somehow end or cure their problem, when in fact the word “help” simply means to aid or assist. Therefore, the advertisement seems to make some sort of claim that it will work when in fact it is simply an empty promise.