Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

And, avoid using their language at all costs. If discussing taxation, do not use the term 'tax relief', 'death tax', or 'marriage penalty'. If discussing abortion, do not use the term 'partial-birth', and so on. Using their language elicits, legitimizes, and strengthens their frames, not yours. In addition, by using their language, you subject yourself to a constant evaluation of your position through the filter of their frame. this is the last thing you want.

Take, for example, the issue of 'same-sex marriage':

Suppose you are a supporter of banning gay marriage and you are asked the following questions:

1) Do you support gay marriage?

2) Do you think the freedom to marry who you want is a matter of equal rights under the law?

3) Do you believe God approves of gay marriage?

Never fall into the trap of a loaded question. Do not give a yes/no answer, and do not entertain the implication of ridiculous questions like #3. Instead, respond with value-based answers.

In this case...

Conservative (Strict Father) Value-Based Response: "I believe that marriage is by definition, between a man and a woman and therefore anything else is not marriage."

Now suppose you are a person opposed to banning gay marriage. If you were asked similarly loaded questions, you should answer with this:

Progressive (Nurturant Parent) Value-Based Response: "I believe in equal rights, period. I don't think the state should be in the business of telling people whom they can or can't marry. Marriage is about love and commitment, and denying people the right to marry is a violation of human dignity."

Regarding specific attention to the right's attempts to create a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, you could go further by saying something to this effect:

"According to our Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." It is clear that this nation was founded on the premise of equality. It is also clear that the founding fathers at no point intended for a second-class citizenry to be instituted into the Constitution of our nation. Such a notion is profoundly un-American"

Even from this lone example, it's easy to see how addressing the issues this way could create a paradigm shift in national perception.

Advantages of using Value-Based Responses

Such value-based responses hold numerous advantages over 'non-value-based' answers:

1) Invincibility - Since it is a statement of your belief rather than the direct answer to their loaded questions, is much easier to defend. People appreciate and respect personal opinions based on an established and consistent set of principles and values. No one can tell you that your opinion is wrong or unprincipled. However, a 'yes' or 'no' answer leaves you open to numerous indefensible accusations and criticisms, real or imagined.

2) Framing - Answering with your own language and frame allows you to define the context within which observers will make their own judgments about the issue. You have painted a picture and they will use that picture as a base for current and future decisions. You are framing the debate. Answering 'yes' or 'no' simply gives fodder for manipulated and warped (and perhaps disingenuous) interpretations by the questioner and onlookers. Don't give them that opportunity.

3) Language - With everyone addressing issues in this way, a common language and set of frames are repeated and infused in the minds of Americans. Under those conditions, your language and frames become accepted as the normal language for that particular issue -- and in turn, establish a base frame whenever the issue is discussed.

Summary:

1) Answer questions with statements of your position on the issue.

2) Frame your answer in such a way that it reflects your core values

3) Use language that is 'our own'. Do NOT use their language.  

4) Do not use 'yes' or 'no' answers.

• Framing: Primer for a Progressive Revolution
  
  
• Framing: Main Page
  
• Part I -- Philosophy and Rational for Framing
  
• Part II -- The Nurturant Parent Vs. the Strict Father
  
• Part III -- Techniques, Rules, and Execution
  
• Part IV -- Strategic and Slippery Slope Inititiatives
  
• Part V -- Implementation: Respond with 'Value-Based' Answers