Final answer:
The statement is false; accusatory language typically focuses on the person, not the issue. Examples include fallacies of diversion and ad hominem attacks, which shift focus from the issue to the person's character or identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Accusatory language focuses negative attention on the issue rather than on the person" is false. Accusatory language typically targets a person directly, attaching blame or negative attributes to them, rather than addressing the underlying issue. This can involve fallacies of diversion, which aim to distract from the argument by shifting focus to the individual. An example of this is the Condemnation of the Condemners where an individual deflects criticism by attacking the person who is making the accusation, thus moving the narrative away from their own actions.
To maintain a fair and unbiased tone, it is crucial to use language that remains focused on the actions or issues at hand. For instance, discussing someone's health or abilities without attaching those conditions to their identity respects their personhood and encourages a focus on facts rather than biases or prejudices. In contrast to this approach, an ad hominem attack undermines someone's argument by assaulting their character, not the content or quality of their ideas or actions. It's critical to discern these strategies to argue effectively and fairly.