As always, excellent. One more thought... This issue is exactly why "narrative" is so important in politics and elsewhere. Think about how hard politicians (and their handlers) work to define a "word" and its meaning and how to promote their version of a commonly used word. "Woke" would be an example, but there are hundreds.
They know perfectly well that the in-use definition of words constrains how the mass of folks think of that word and all the baggage that has now been added to it. This is "narrative" control and might be the most critical part of what has happened in the last 30 years. Propaganda grown up and weaponized even more than before.
Even something as simple as "vaccine" means something completely different to a lot of folks today vs those of us who grew up around polio, measles outbreaks, etc. And probably means something different at scale today than it did 20 years ago even.
The commonly "understood" meaning of words matters a LOT - and control of that meaning is the key to modern political life (and a lot more).
Thanks..very good. Sometimes your posts turn into my Zen Koan for the day/week. Sorry for the confusion but the Techno Witches quote comes from The Adventure of Ruby by ZBS Foundation, a great audio adventure series. The Techno Witches make only a small appearance but a great one. Still in the back of the back of beyond. Full Quote finding when I get back.
As always, excellent. One more thought... This issue is exactly why "narrative" is so important in politics and elsewhere. Think about how hard politicians (and their handlers) work to define a "word" and its meaning and how to promote their version of a commonly used word. "Woke" would be an example, but there are hundreds.
They know perfectly well that the in-use definition of words constrains how the mass of folks think of that word and all the baggage that has now been added to it. This is "narrative" control and might be the most critical part of what has happened in the last 30 years. Propaganda grown up and weaponized even more than before.
Even something as simple as "vaccine" means something completely different to a lot of folks today vs those of us who grew up around polio, measles outbreaks, etc. And probably means something different at scale today than it did 20 years ago even.
The commonly "understood" meaning of words matters a LOT - and control of that meaning is the key to modern political life (and a lot more).
Yes. The one who controls the Overton Window, controls the world.
Thanks..very good. Sometimes your posts turn into my Zen Koan for the day/week. Sorry for the confusion but the Techno Witches quote comes from The Adventure of Ruby by ZBS Foundation, a great audio adventure series. The Techno Witches make only a small appearance but a great one. Still in the back of the back of beyond. Full Quote finding when I get back.
Ah, my misunderstanding ! I still haven't found time to engage with Ruby, maybe tonight.
"Words are magic.
They bring forth physical reality.
A sorcerer can weave a spell and Summon forth with words.
They know the true meaning, the essence."
"Words exist as energy.
The essence of their meaning is often lost.
We use words and conjure forth things
In our lives that we wonder how
They ever got there."
"We constantly conjure without being aware.
We use words and cause spells
All of the time
Without knowing what we are doing." TechnoWitches
The Adventures of Ruby, ZBSFoundation
Nice! Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.