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A Modest Proposal: #ProtectTheTruth

Overview

A summary of basic rhetorical strategies that can be used to fight harmful memes and narratives, as well as strategies that tend to backfire. AL

Why is this important?

Weaponized narrative and its cousins, memes and metaphors, often provoke outraged responses. But research shows these reflexive responses can backfire. People need to be wary of how they react, and guidance on what would be better. Instead of repeating the original meme or narrative in the context of a outraged rebuttal, the focus should be on creating alternative sets of frames and narratives that function as independent sources of truth. AL

Creator

George Lakoff

Publication Date

January 13, 2018