Frame and Reframe

"Frame and re-frame" seem to be Lakoff's favorite phrase in his book, Don't think of an elephant. While there are some commonalities between Lakoff and Luntz ,I felt that the two were a little different. I feel like Lakoff isn't exactly manipulating public opinion but more so letting us be aware that it is happening. Luntz, on the other hand, makes his career off of manipulating words and phrases to appeal more to an audience. However the two are similar in the means of they are both framing and re-framing situations and concepts.



A part I enjoyed, that again showed the depths of language and linguistics, was Lakoff's discussion on the word "evil" on page 57. After reading Luntz I was aware that certain phrasing of words is more appealing but the appeal even goes into our unconscious mind. Lakoff talks of these connections we make, with words, as metaphors. After 9/11 the Bush administration used several words to describe the terrorists who took down the towers. They referred to them as rodents, swamp creatures, etc. Finally, Bush settled on the word evil. I'm sure Bush was unaware of the significance of using the word evil, never the less, he used it and America started making connections. When Lakoff showed the metaphor of evil and "the enemy of evil is good", I think us, as humans, can relate to that. If we consider ourselves good, then that means what our values and morals are good too. Ultimately, everyone wants to feel good and think that what they are doing in life is morally and culturally right. If a politician can make someone feel that emotion, while giving a speech or whatever, that politician can bank on that citizen's vote. It can be thought of as manipulation but I think, its nature. Why wouldn't I go with the candidate who relates the best to me and makes me feel safe and comfortable. It'd be foolish not too. Luntz and Lakoff both have many examples of how to re-frame an issue. Reframing is all part of rhetoric; being able to see things in a new or innovated way.

Both Lakoff and Luntz provide interesting insight on the world of politicians and public speaking. While the two differ, both relate to each other in some aspects. Through each other their writings we can learn and be aware of all our surrounds in attempts to make a well-round personal opinion on issues that are important.