An omissionist is an individual, group, or entity that habitually practices or advocates for the deliberate withholding or exclusion of information, actions, or items considered relevant or necessary. This behavior often stems from a desire to shape narratives, control perceptions, or avoid accountability. The core principle is the conscious choice to leave something out, potentially leading to incomplete understanding or even deception. The omission can range from minor details to crucial facts, impacting decision-making and the interpretation of events.
Omissionist meaning with examples
- The newspaper was accused of being an omissionist in its coverage of the scandal, only reporting facts favorable to the company and deliberately ignoring the testimonies of whistleblowers. This selective reporting created a distorted picture, shielding the company from public scrutiny. Public trust was eroded, as people felt misled by the information they were provided, resulting in an uproar against the publication.
- During the court proceedings, the defense attorney was criticized for being an omissionist by strategically excluding certain pieces of evidence from the presentation. These omissions served to obfuscate the truth and potentially influence the jury to believe a version of events favorable to his client. The prosecution argued these omissions were ethically wrong, and directly intended to confuse and mislead.
- Historical accounts are often viewed with suspicion if they are perceived as being omissionist. Official chronicles sometimes omit negative aspects of the ruler's reign. Subsequent generations are often left without a complete understanding of past events, especially in sensitive areas, such as the true extent of social injustices or wars.
- In the context of scientific research, an omissionist approach to data analysis can occur when researchers selectively choose which data to present. This can result in misleading conclusions and hamper the advancement of scientific knowledge. Complete and transparent sharing of data is crucial to prevent misleading conclusions, where only favorable outcomes are publicized.