Will Whiten Teeth*

I read this phrase on the front of a bottle of whitening mouth wash I was considering buying. After frantically searching the entire text of the bottle, wondering what the '*' was for, I discovered it on the back at the bottom. "*if teeth are clean and brushed." Okay, that makes sense. I was worried the disclaimer was going to be like, "*may cause teeth to rot or turn green," so I was grateful for the actual disclaimer.

It's funny how we've been trained to use disclaimers in advertising, and even in daily life. The '*' symbol immediately brings to mind small text full of contrary or qualifying statements. Sometimes I wish when I debate issues with other people, I could have an asterisk at the end of my sentence so people wouldn't misunderstand my statements or take them the wrong way.

Then again, like this comment, maybe it's better not to hear the asterisk at the end of the sentence.

Rhetorically*,
Rebekah


*unless you would like to comment, in which case, you should.