In North Carolina, when the Department of Employment Services (sorry, Division of Employment Security) decides that a worker can receive unemployment benefits, here is how they say that:
Claimant is not disqualified for benefits.
“Not disqualified.”
They could say “approved.”
They could say “earned.”
They could say “given.”
They could even just say “The claimant is qualified.”
They could say “earned.”
They could say “given.”
They could even just say “The claimant is qualified.”
But instead they say that the claimant is “not disqualified.” This blows me away.
This language gives you a view into exactly what the purpose of their process is—they are there to find a way to disqualify. This is their intention.
The decision is called an “adjudication.” This word underscores the “judging” component of the process, the sense that the claimant must pass muster to be deemed worthy of this help.
Every aspect of this process and this language emphasizes that the person applying for unemployment is a supplicant, and the powers of the state are sitting in judgment as to whether or not the citizen deserves it.
Everything about this document is telling you what its intention is. The question that remains is, why? Who are they there to serve?
Why don’t they send out a letter that says, “We have taken care of your claim at the Division for Employment Services. This letter reflects the decision to grant you employment benefits.”
“Not disqualified.”
They are using this phrase on purpose.
The words people use matter. They reflect purpose and intention.
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