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Overview
Two years ago George Lakoff published the bestselling Don’t Think of an Elephant! Its account of the conservative monopoly on effective framing touched off a national discussion about political language. It also gave rise to a chorus of pleas for more:
* What is the progressive vision of America;
* Why progressive values are America’s values;
* How frames are necessary to serve the truth;
* Why sloganeering alone doesn’t work;
* How progressives trap themselves and how they can escape those traps; and
* How political arguments and narratives can be put together to counter the Right.
Thinking Points satisfies that call with a bold, concise, and systematic explanation of how conservatives think and use language—and how progressives can fight back . Lakoff and the Rockridge Institute offer a new understanding of the so-called political center and explain why the most effective way to appeal to those who identify themselves as moderates or conservatives is to remain true to progressive values.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to participate in shaping an America that serves the common good.
Synopsis
Two years ago George Lakoff published the bestselling Don’t Think of an Elephant! Its account of the conservative monopoly on effective framing touched off a national discussion about political language. It also gave rise to a chorus of pleas for more:
* What is the progressive vision of America;
* Why progressive values are America’s values;
* How frames are necessary to serve the truth;
* Why sloganeering alone doesn’t work;
* How progressives trap themselves and how they can escape those traps; and
* How political arguments and narratives can be put together to counter the Right.
Thinking Points satisfies that call with a bold, concise, and systematic explanation of how conservatives think and use language—and how progressives can fight back . Lakoff and the Rockridge Institute offer a new understanding of the so-called political center and explain why the most effective way to appeal to those who identify themselves as moderates or conservatives is to remain true to progressive values.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to participate in shaping an America that serves the common good.
Library Journal
Lakoff (cognitivie science & linguistics, Univ. of California, Berkeley; Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate) argues that progressives do not know how to communicate with ordinary Americans, while conservatives use evocative language and stories that attract voters. Here he teaches progressives how to reconnect with their fellow citizens. He insists that progressives must enunciate what they believe, explain how their values underlie their politics, and thus re-engage Americans in a shared vision. In short, to regain power, progressives must reframe the political discourse and, by accepting the conservative terms of debate, respond by attacking "tax cuts" or the "war on terror" rather than by talking about the need for healthcare or ending the war in Iraq. Part of this reframing consists in substituting progressive politics of empathy and responsibility for the conservative worldview built on authority and control. A philosophical look at American political dialog, this book also shows activists how to discuss progressive issues in positive terms rather than using the negative vocabulary of conservatives. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.