Sep 25 2009
KPFK Fund Drive – Day 11
The Political Mind: A Cognitive Scientist’s Guide to Your Brain and Its Politics
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As President Obama continues to push for reform of the nation’s health care system, right-wing resistance has encapsulated itself in emotionally charged, yet simple phrases. “Death panels,” “socialism,” and “government takeover,” are immediately recognizable and updated additions to today’s lexicon of conservatism. Obama, in his address on health care to a joint session of Congress earlier this month, tried to reason away such words as obfuscations in the debate calling notions of ‘death panels’ plain and simple lies. However, in his attempts to garner support for his reforms, is the President failing to communicate? George Lakoff, linguist, cognitive scientist, and author of several books on the subject of politics and language believes so. Whereas the right has been able to present their objections in effective frames, easily recognizable to their base, Lakoff asserts that the Obama administration has committed the errors of “policy speak,” in presenting his plans for reforming health care. In analyzing the language, Lakoff asserts that the lack of a unifying idea at the expense of “policy lists” has muddied the debate. The one term the administration has to its credit, “public option,” is too boring and uninspiring. In his latest book, Lakoff lays out his thesis of the how the right wins and keeps power by framing issues effectively and controlling minds. Just out in paperback, the book is titled, “The Political Mind: A Cognitive Scientist’s Guide to Your Brain and Its Politics.” Employing the latest research in neuroscience, Lakoff argues that appeals to dispassionate rationalism, facts, and logic in political arguments in this day and age is a serious misstep.
Thank you Gifts:
The Political Mind – book – $85
The Political Mind – DVD of a speech – $100
Deflating the Elephant – DVD – $85
The George Lakoff Wake-up Call Pack – all of the above – $200
One Response to “KPFK Fund Drive – Day 11”
Obfuscation? Why, Obama’s a master of of obfuscation…and deception.
Without it he wouldn’t have been elected.
Too bad Kucinich is democratic, and too short (read-unpresidential) to ever be elected Prez.
I’ve heard Mr. Lakoff speak on many occasions. He’s absolutely right. What is it with Lefties – in one ear and out the other when it comes to marketing. This has been the case since McCarthy ran for President.
At the first organizational meeting for his campaign in Westwood, CA, when asked for volunteers to create and handle his marketing, seemingly half the folks there raised their hands and their voices, stampeding to the podium — to many Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies I s’pose. Those with connections and/or advanced degrees won the day, and eventually, lost the election. I wasn’t even considered
I was so enraged, two days later, I went across the street and enlisted with Needham Harper & Steers as a copywriter/art director.
For cryin’ out loud, take Lakoff’s advice. Then go out and get yourselves some media pros — worked for The Nation.
Republicans know that as you pay your lawyers, you pay your ad-men. Or you can explain to the devil how your self righteous disdain for propaganda caused millions to starve and/or be blown to smithereens.
Pass it on,
Todd