you realize all this very nearly instinctively. just What could you think about a fan whom sighed in your ear, “My darling, you may be liked by me!”? At its worst, the passive voice—like its kin, bureaucratic language and jargon—is a medium for the dishonesty and evasion of obligation that pervade contemporary culture that is american. (“Mistakes had been made; I happened to be provided false information.” Now spot the difference: me; We neglected to test the important points.”“ I screwed up; Smith and Jones lied to) The passive voice usually signals a less toxic version of the same unwillingness to take charge, to commit yourself, and to say forthrightly what is really going on, and who is doing what to whom on history papers. (more…)