Last night I watched This Week, and my old favourite Owen Jones was on talking about the immigration crisis we are currently seeing.
He fought his corner gallantly against the political broadcaster Andrew Neil, however he used the old catch phrase, "they are human, much like us."
For me, this catch phrase is, ironically, dehumanising, and derogatory.
Firstly, either you think those who don't agree with your solution are dumb and haven't realised these people are human.
Secondly, again for me, dehumanises the people who are either running from conflict, the fact that you think this needs to be pointed out almost takes the shine away from the rest of the argument.
Other catch phrases that are now debunked because of over-use:
"Hard-working families." David Cameron's favourite.
"Tory Scum." Something the left love to shout during a protest or strike, which most Tories find rather amusing than hurtful, or damning.
"I have a question..." Jeremy Corbyn's weekly phrase during Prime Ministers Questions, which once held an air of uncertainty, but now it's more of a joke that even his own Shadow Cabinet members have used as jokes.
So please, let's stop with the catch phrases, and concentrate on the argument.
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