Don't Think of an Elephant: Framing in public debate
What is the first thing you think of when someone says "Don't think of an Elephant"?
In this critical book in public communications, George Lakoff explains the role of 'frames' in public debate on social change.
Lakoff explains the difference between 'framing' as against spin and manipulation. Lakoff explains the importance of showing respect in the public debate, in thinking and talking in terms of values, of saying what you believe, and in not responding to other people's frames.
He explains why, for example, the Democrats in the United States have fallen into the wrong 'frame' by talking about 'easing the tax burden on middle-class families', as opposed to the patriotic duty of paying your dues to live in a civilised society. The negative 'frame' around tax was deliberately setup decades ago, and has enabled a dramatic erosion of the public safety net.
This concept of framing has important application to how advocates for life on Earth communicate. For example if we respond to 'scientific whaling' instead of the protection of whales, or 'clean coal technology' instead of focussing on how to ensure for a safe climate and a switch to renewables, they we reinforce frames that have been designed to normalise whaling and the burning of coal respectively.
Lakoff explains how 'framing' works, and some core principles and tips for how to proactively and positively shape public discussion and debate. Whilst it has its critics, it is none-the-less a very useful resource for people interested in how to motivate and mobilise the public for the future of Life on Earth.
Some interesting reviews of Don't think of an Elephant:
ANU Don't Think of an Elephant review
Commons Library - Insights from don't think of an Elephant
George Lakoff's website: Here
"Frames are mental structures that shape the way we see the world. As a result they shape the goals we seek, the plans we make, the way we act, and what counts as a good or bad outcome of our actions. In politics our frames shape our social policies and the institutions we form to carry out policies. To change our frames is to change all of this. Reframing is social change." - George Layoff
Phill Pullinger
What is the first thing you think of when someone says "Don't think of an Elephant"?
In this critical book in public communications, George Lakoff explains the role of 'frames' in public debate on social change.
Lakoff explains the difference between 'framing' as against spin and manipulation. Lakoff explains the importance of showing respect in the public debate, in thinking and talking in terms of values, of saying what you believe, and in not responding to other people's frames.
He explains why, for example, the Democrats in the United States have fallen into the wrong 'frame' by talking about 'easing the tax burden on middle-class families', as opposed to the patriotic duty of paying your dues to live in a civilised society. The negative 'frame' around tax was deliberately setup decades ago, and has enabled a dramatic erosion of the public safety net.
This concept of framing has important application to how advocates for life on Earth communicate. For example if we respond to 'scientific whaling' instead of the protection of whales, or 'clean coal technology' instead of focussing on how to ensure for a safe climate and a switch to renewables, they we reinforce frames that have been designed to normalise whaling and the burning of coal respectively.
Lakoff explains how 'framing' works, and some core principles and tips for how to proactively and positively shape public discussion and debate. Whilst it has its critics, it is none-the-less a very useful resource for people interested in how to motivate and mobilise the public for the future of Life on Earth.
Some interesting reviews of Don't think of an Elephant:
ANU Don't Think of an Elephant review
Commons Library - Insights from don't think of an Elephant
George Lakoff's website: Here
"Frames are mental structures that shape the way we see the world. As a result they shape the goals we seek, the plans we make, the way we act, and what counts as a good or bad outcome of our actions. In politics our frames shape our social policies and the institutions we form to carry out policies. To change our frames is to change all of this. Reframing is social change." - George Layoff
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