Dozy brought up a good point a few months back about how the WT uses third party terminology to obscure their real motives. I thought it was a good idea to revisit this WT writing technique.
(http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/184897)
Look at the Nov 15th 2009 WT, "Treasure your place in the Congregation" and compare what happens when we replace the third party terminology (words in bold type) with first party words.(thanks Dozy) The Watchtower is so skillful in it's use of what I call, weasel words, that the average JW never notices that his mind is being manipulated-
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"We need to examine our response to the direction we receive from the slave class. Over the years, for example, we have received pointed direction on dress and grooming, entertainment, and improper use of the internet. Do we carefully heed this good counsel so that we are spiritually protected?..."
"Some might reason that areas such as entertainment and dress and grooming are personal matters. For the dedicated Christian who cherishes his place in the congregation, though, personal preferences should not be the sole determining factor when making decisions..."
"The spirit that now operates in the "sons of disobedience" is so widespread that it is like the air we breathe. That spirit can cause us to think that we do not need guidance from Jehovah's organization... We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. On the contrary, we should cherish our privilege to cooperate with the slave class. And should we not strive to be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead in our local congregations?"
Now lets replace the indirect third party terminology with first party words that better convey the true motive of the study article-
"...You need to examine your response to the direction you receive from us. Over the years, for example, you have received pointed direction on dress and grooming, entertainment, and improper use of the internet. Do you carefully heed (our) good counsel so that you are spiritually protected?"
"Some might reason that areas such as entertainment and dress and grooming are personal matters. For you, though, personal preferences should not be the sole determining factor when making decisions..."
"The spirit that now operates in the "sons of disobedience" is so widespread that it is like the air you breathe. That spirit can cause you to think that you do not need guidance from us...You need to guard against developing a spirit of independence (from us). By word or action, may you never challenge us, (as we are) the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. On the contrary, you should cherish your privilege to cooperate with us. And should you not strive to be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead in your local congregations?"
The intent is quite clear in the second version- don't You disobey us, the GB, in Brooklyn and obey our minions , the elders, just like We are giving the orders. It's no wonder why so many JW's are having those unpleasant feelings in the back of their mind after the WT study this month. Any other examples, anyone?