Don’t Buy It

Anat Shenker-Osorio

Metaphors wield immense power in shaping public perception, particularly in economic debates, where conservatives have skillfully employed them to advance their agenda. By framing the economy as a living organism or moral arbiter, they absolve systemic actors of responsibility and promote narratives of self-reliance and meritocracy. Progressives, however, often falter by adopting language that inadvertently reinforces conservative ideals, such as using terms like "crisis" or "reform," which downplay systemic accountability and the need for transformative change. To counter this, progressives could adopt metaphors like a "vehicle" needing guidance or "barriers" impeding progress, emphasizing structural inequality as a solvable, human-made issue. Additionally, passive language in economic discourse obscures accountability, shifting blame onto victims rather than those in power. By reframing narratives to highlight deliberate actions and systemic flaws, progressives can better challenge entrenched inequalities and advocate for meaningful change.

14 min

8 Bite

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De quoi s'agit-il ?

Metaphors shape how we think, and this book explores their profound impact on economic narratives in the U.S. It examines how conservatives skillfully use metaphors to frame the economy as a living organism or moral arbiter, influencing public opinion and policy. In contrast, progressives often falter by adopting language that unintentionally reinforces conservative ideals. Through a deep dive into linguistic strategies, the book reveals how reframing metaphors—like depicting the economy as a vehicle or inequality as a barrier—can empower progressives to shift public discourse and advocate for systemic change.

Résumé du livre

Anat Shenker-Osorio is a strategic communications expert, researcher and pundit specializing in public affairs and social issues in the United States. Her past clients have included the Ford Foundation, the Roosevelt Institute, the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Ms. Foundation.

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Toutes les bouchées

8 Bites

Inequality Exposed: The Crisis Before the Collapse

Framing the Crisis: How Conservatives Won

Shaping Reality: How Metaphors Drive Economic Thought

Mastering Metaphors: How Language Shapes Economic Power

Driving Change: Reframing Economic Narratives

Reframing Economic Narratives for Progressive Change

Exposing Accountability: How Language Shields the Powerful

Breaking Barriers: Reframing Inequality Through Language

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