Jabberwock '24

(Hear on Substack)

Remember this Classic?

                                                    ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves 
                                                     Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
                                                     All mimsy were the borogoves,
                                                     And the mome raths outgrabe. 
                                                    (Jabberwocky – Lewis Carroll)

Your EngLit 101 prof likely explained “Jabberwocky” was a “nonsense poem” and “Jabberwock” was defined as “meaningless speech or writing”. Carroll penned this gem circa 1871. How prevalent 'jabberwock' was at the time is unknown. More importantly, is that it is spot on to state Jabberwock has finally come into its own. It is the vocabulary, language, and style used regularly by today's 'journalists', politicians, and corporate PR spokesfolks.

The Patron Saint of Jabberwock is Vice-President Kamala Harris. No one besides the late comedian Prof. Backwards and noted pianist Victor Borge could approach the level of fluent Jabberwock as flawlessly as VP Harris.

Most news consumers are unaware they are almost fluent in Jabberwock. Not necessarily in a peaking sense, but from a subconscious ability to comprehend the jibber-jabber to which they have been exposed while attempting to make sense of current events in our time; a daunting task, indeed, leading to gross misunderstandings and fortifying overall ignorance. Unfortunately, there is no reason to believe the Jabberwock will be terminated as it was in Carroll's poem,

The confounding effects of jabberwocky will only become more prevalent as the “Silly Season”, the run-up to the 2024 Presidential election, gets underway in America. Citizens wishing to make conscientious decisions about issues and voting will be unwittingly exposed to jabberwocky disguised as “News”, practiced to perfection on radio, TV, and print media.

News consumers who identify as prospective voters would do well to remember the words of Humpty Dumpty as noted in Carroll's infamous “Alice in Wonderland II "

                                “When I use a word... it means just what I choose it to mean”

Such is the jabberwocky of the Main Stream Media, politicians, and pundits. Clarity, specificity and honesty have been reduced to a quaint fantasy of political lore. As the 2024 elections approach and speeches fill the air, one would be well-advised to remember:

                                                        Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
                                                        The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
                                                        Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
                                                        The frumious Bandersnatch!

Remember: you read it here first!