I'd like to say a quick word about pronouns
Playing the blame game
The pronouns we use reveal so much more than we ever intend them to.
I wrote yesterday about a situation in Scottish football with Raith Rovers signing a player called David Goodwillie.
Raith have backed down and released a statement.
Pay attention to the pronouns.
Title: Chairman Update David Goodwillie
I firstly want to apologise wholeheartedly to our fans, sponsors, players and the wider Raith Rovers community for the anguish and anger caused over the past few days.
We got it wrong.
In reaching our original decision, we focused far too much on football matters and not enough on what this decision would mean for our club and the community as a whole.
Over the past couple of days, we listened carefully to the fans who have got in touch and I’m very grateful for their honesty. As chairman, as a board and as a management team, we have all learned a hard but valuable lesson.
This very unfortunate episode is something that we all bitterly regret and we are now wholly committed to making things right. I can therefore confirm that, following a meeting of the Raith Rovers board, the player will not be selected by Raith Rovers and we will enter into discussions with the player regarding his contractual position.
We share a desire to do what is best for our club and will be doing everything in our power to regain the trust and confidence of the Raith Rovers family.
Chairman
On Behalf of the Board of Raith Rovers FC
Twice it reminds us that this is a statement from one person (the chairman), albeit on behalf of the board.
Look at the pronouns. He uses “I” three times.
“I … want to apologise”
“I’m very grateful for their honestly”
“I can therefore confirm… the player will not be selected”
This very much reads like “I” am doing the right things. I’m apologising. I’m grateful. I’m not selecting the player.
We, Our, Us
Which pronouns are used to cover the mistakes and bad decisions made? Joint ones.
“OUR original decision”
“WE focussed far too much on football”
“WE have all learned a hard but valuable lesson”
“WE all bitterly regret”
Conclusion
This is from someone happy to own the upsides but more than willing to share the blame for the downsides.
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