new places, new ideas
July 19th, 2007 by Nick
Reading informs our writing. In searching around, I found this site, and this article in particular, worthwhile.
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/research/rockridge/summers-of-love
Read, and enjoy. I loved the image of “parachuting in.”
Disclosure:This site is unabashedly progressive. For those of a bent to follow political discussion, I have also found their concept of “frames”interesting. You’ll find that on the homepage.
Enjoy-
Nick
July 28th, 2007 18:30
In the article
‘ “Simple Framing” by George Lakoff,
An introduction to framing and its uses in politics’,
Mr Lakoff provides a handsome description of the effects of the connotatoins and denotions of current political phrases. He provides several examples of phrases that provide a context for a particular issue. Once one accepts these phrases, one is committed to discussing the topic from a particular point of view, whether one is in agreement or in opposition.
He makes the point that once one is asked “Have you stopped beating your wife ?”, any “Yes” or “No” answer leaves you in the position of copping to the charge. Thus, the power of providing a frame of reference to a point of contention.
The article dissects various Conservative phrases such as Tort Reform and Tax Relief. He finds these misleading and factually incorrect.
In response, and as a different way, he makes the following assertion,
“The Rockridge Institute advises against the use of deceptive language and we will not engage in it.
We believe that honest framing both accords with progressive values and is the most effective strategy overall.”
Subsequently he provides examples of how to frame progressive thought and political ideals, to counter the successful use of language by conservative theorists.
I found no difference between the Conservative use of frames and the Progressive use of frames as he presented them. There seemed to be only two, exactly equal, congruent, and opposite sides.
I can not see how he makes a claim to not use deceptive language, and that honest framing is both progressive and effective when he advocates the exact use of the methods and style which he finds fault with.
Sincerely,
Denis Hogan
August 15th, 2007 06:37
Thank you, Nick. I appreciated this article.