George Lakoff's "Whose Freedom: Battle Over America's Most Important Idea"

[Hissyspit]

Whose Freedom?: The Battle Over America's Most Important Idea
by George Lakoff

BuzzFlash.com's Review

George Lakoff is a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at U.C. Berkeley. BuzzFlash promoted Lakoff's concept of "framing" early on, and he has become a resource that more and more national Democratic leaders have begun to listen to. (Although it is still a big step from listening to someone to actually carrying out their advice. But it's a start, anyway.)

His book, "Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate -- The Essential Guide for Progressives," became a bestseller on BuzzFlash -- and was a hit nationwide among progressives seeking understanding into the strategic linguistic, contextual and rhetorical strategies of the Republicans.

Lakoff's latest book, "Whose Freedom?: The Battle Over America's Most Important Idea," is a brilliant reflection on the use of patriotic language by the Republicans. In particular, he explores the differing connotations of the concept of "freedom" to the hierarchical, paternalistic Republican base on the one hand, and the maternalistic nurturing Democratic base on the other. One deeply resonant word so basic to the American essence has diverse meaning, depending upon who is hearing it.

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[Totally Committed]

1. Lakoff is a genius!

I wish more Democrats were listening and learning from this man.

I love BuzzFlash!

TC