Don't Think of an Elephant

I know I have been talking a lot about Lewis Powell and the powerful conservative infrastructure that he envisioned and helped create. So I have to admit I was excited when I went to hear Linguistic Professor George Lakoff speak, and he started out talking about Lewis Powell and his memo. Lakoff, like many others, mapped out "the how" on what the conservatives have accomplished, but more importantly, he spoke about what can be done to change things.

I haven’t read his book yet, but this weekend looks good for his book, "Don't Think of an Elephant." The talk was sponsored by a new group called Party Progressive and the proceeds went to the Rockridge Institute, a non-profit research institute that is focusing on reframing constructs and creating our own language. Lakoff is one of many distinguished scholars and researchers at the Rockridge Institute.

Here is how they describe the problem and their mission:

"Over the last three decades, a well-organized and well-funded conservative movement has appropriated fundamental American values and language, from freedom to compassion to patriotism, and redefined them from a conservative perspective. By defining the language of public discourse, they have set the parameters of the political debate, even though a majority of Americans continue to reject much of the conservative worldview and its policy implications. The right has used the support of a dense network of think tanks, intellectuals, and policy analysts, to articulate its moral vision, disseminate it to the public, and translate it into public policies.

With no alternative language and overall vision available for public officials, policymakers, advocates, and journalists, it is difficult to promote or even discuss alternative policies. The debate is often over before it has ever really begun, and the progressive tendencies within the American people have no voice. We founded the Rockridge Institute to change this situation.

The founders of Rockridge are distinguished scholars and researchers from the University of California representing a variety of disciplines (including cognitive science, sociology, law, history, linguistics, women's studies, and public health). Our Senior Fellows have a track record of nationally recognized research, political engagement, and commitment to social justice."

Howard Dean, the new DNC chair, suggests reading Chapter 8 of "Don’t Think of an Elephant" in order to understand who the Democrats are. And once you understand this, the rest falls into place according to Dean. Lakoff spoke a little about who he thought the Democrats are. He seemed to be all about unity of our values, not about our differences. My partner Saskia who also attended can give her own analysis but she was pretty skeptical of this part. I do think Chapter 8, who we are, and how we deal with each other is critical.
More later...