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Failed Conservative Values: They're Not Working - George Lakoff
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George Lakoff is a linguistics professor at UC Berkeley and author of numerous books on metaphors, framing and politics. Howard Dean has called him, "one of the most influential political thinkers of the progressive movement." George was at our local bookstore talking about his latest book, The Political Mind. During the question and answer period, I asked him if he personally feels that Conservative Values have Failed and if so, how have they failed?
Failed Conservative Values: George Lakoff on It's Not Working
George: Yes Ed.
Edwin: I'm doing some work on the Failure of Conservative Values and I was wondering if you personally feel that conservative values have failed and if so, how have they failed?
George: There's not one answer, there are two, depending on how you frame it. So, if you frame it the way George Packard has in his New Yorker article, where he says conservative values have failed. What he really means is that conservative ideology has run up against reality. It's not working in the real world and that's true in lots of cases. Even though conservatives said "if we are in power we create reality". And in many cases they have, they've gotten the government breaking down they have created all kinds of reality, that we now have to face, huge debts and so on, right?
It's not the case that that was wrong, they in fact did create reality that way. But in the case of, Iraq, Afghanistan, as we've heard today and in the case of our financial problems, they ran up against reality and don't have a way to actually deal with that. That's the way in which, quote "conservative values have failed" in dealing with certain aspects of reality that are extremely important.
However, they haven't failed, in the sense that they're out there in our brains. That those values are there governing public discourse still. That McCain can run on all the same old slogans. You know, the tax and spend liberals, the defeatists, the we can't surrender, etc. All the same stuff is out there in our brains, available for elections. They have not failed in that way. So, yes and no.
Coming soon is George Lakoff's entire 1 hour and 30 minute talk, I'll post it on Google video shortly.
George Lakoff - 'Political Mind' talk at Cody's Books in Berkeley, CA - June 14, 2008
George Lakoff made a reputation as a linguist studying metaphors. I've always enjoyed using metaphors so I've asked people to create metaphors of Failed Conservative Values. Here are some of the creative images people came up with.
Failed Conservative Values Metaphor: Kenneth Arnold - Angry God and Authoritarianism
Of course, the first one that comes to mind is Lakoff’s – the strict father, conservative, or the angry God, you know, conservative value versus the nurturing mother, or the kind Madonna, or the compassionate Buddha on the progressive side. That’s what I see on that.
Failed Conservative Values Metaphor: Arun Akkineni - Strict Teacher and Authoritarianism
I actually look at conservative values as an old school teacher with a big stick. And I guess that’s how conservative values have been, a strict father and his way of disciplining someone. That person will be more concerned with everything around them, and that concern will make them more efficient in the free market. That’s a conservative value for me.
Whereas when you think about progressive values it’s more like, I’m growing, I’m nurturing, I’m also doing for others around me. I think of my mind as expanding, I learning things, I’m very open in my perspective. And I also tend to be more scholarly – you’re learning all the time.
That to me are progressive values. And the essence of life, because there is so much to learn and grab around you. And each time you get a new perspective, it enhances your shell of what it is around you.
That to me is the fundamental difference between progressive and conservative values. A strict father versus a tree
Progressive Values Metaphor: Jim Dean - Hybrid v Largest SUV
Edwin: A Metaphor for Progressive Values?
Jim: Certainly some of the hybrid cars come to mind. Simply because they serve a lot of different purposes, not just being good on gas. They are enormously practical. They have a certain style to them, but again, they are driven by pragmatism, not ostentatious like “who has the biggest car on the block”-type culture.
I think they have what really appeals to Americans, since they have applied practical ideas as to how to run government and how to run the politics of this government. That’s the first thing that comes to mind. I’m not too good at word association, but certainly, it’s that sort of pragmatic approach.
You see that a lot in a lot of different communities. You know, I work a lot in Vermont – that’s where our office is. You see people who look at this thing as not about left or right. Not about Republicans versus Democrats, but again, about a culture of activism over a culture of incumbency.
The activist part is about simply getting a practical approach to getting government to work for its folks, for its people, for all of its taxpayers. It’s sort of being by right-wing ideology.
Edwin: Talking about right-wing ideology, what would conservative values be like? What metaphor would you have for them.
Jim:: Well, right now, SUVs, the largest SUV – the Yukon – it’s as great a word association as I can think of – other than the fact that it’s large, has absolutely no value at all. It uses up a lot of gas, it’s big and unwieldy. It’s difficult to drive, and all it does is make a statement that kind of irrelevant right now.
Failed Conservative Values Metaphor: Brian - Threatened Bear and Fear
It’s reverse Robin Hood. It’s help those who have. Protect those who have, instead of the whole bigger value of a society is judged by how it takes care of its least fortunate.
I don’t want to insult animals. You’re asking me to make a metaphor relating to the animals? Human being, whatever, in any microenvironment. Whatever is the most powerful animal that already has. Maybe a bear when they feel threatened. I think that’s a good one. A bear that feels threatened and then just strikes out and strikes everyone.
And it’s also the squirrel – the one that was not saving enough for the winter, too. Essentially, it is spending our inheritance. Our inheritance and our children’s inheritance, and then spending the wealth of our country.
When I say wealth, I don’t just mean money. I mean the moral influence, the moral authority that we have in the world as a self-proclaimed bastion of democracy and freedom.
What is your metaphor for the failed conservative values?
For example, if conservative values were a type of machine, or land, or animal, etc., what would they be like?
Failed Conservative Values
I ask for your assistance to systematically build the arguments and tell the stories that reveal how Conservative Values have Failed. Join in our effort to create a documentary and book on the subject by contributing articles, posts, chapters for the book and video clips. Check our website for more information and a growing outline of tasks that need to be done on this project.
See More Progressive Values Stories:
Edwin Rutsch
What Are Progressive Values? Documentary Project
http://ProgressiveSpirit.com
and Study Group
of name calling and demeaning. Conservative values may be like an asshole in the sense that the values of hypocrisy sucks everything into itself and is a waste.
Someone mentioned that conservative values are like a black hole or like quicksand, in that they suck you in until there's nothing left. Meaning greed and selfishness destroys people. However, I don't think demeaning someone with name calling is not what progressives should do. Through personal growth our values can develop towards more care, empathy, community, equality and justice. It's a fine line between criticizing someone's failed values and using a failed conservative value like personal put-downs..
I get lots of those name callings directed at me or the subjects of my political video clips on youtube from conservatives. I just respond that they are using Failed Conservative Values of demeaning and name-calling.
answer: a demolition derby car that catches fire after the first hit
an interesting image Phil... how does it relate to the conservative values?
I would imagine... it represents superficially of the values? I think the notions of conservative family values and conservative traditional values are like that... there's no substance. if anyone would bother to scratch the surface they would burn up..
Edwin,
I would tend to agree with George's answer, but add to the point about conservative ideology running up against reality. Many of the things that we regard as failures, such as FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina or a misguided education system that is hobbled by No Child Left Behind, in some ways advance the conservative worldview.
To many people, they teach lessons that government cannot be counted on to protect us from danger or to educate our children; we need to rely on ourselves instead. When people accept those lessons, they may complain about taxes being too high, given their perception that they can't rely on government and need to take care of themselves.
These observations would not be news to George, as we discussed similar things at Rockridge. It is a relatively easy task for conservatives in office to prove that government doesn't work.
Evan
Failed Bush adminstration values are like Scar in the Lion King.
http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/20080617_you_cant_always_veep_who_you_want/
Conservative columnist Robert Novak has reported that John McCain wants to make Joe Lieberman his running mate, but knows that he can’t for political reasons. That hypothetical ticket, possibly the least charismatic ever, would at least afford Lieberman the opportunity to complete his journey to the dark side.
- frown muscles on their cheeks are more developed than six pack abs of a weight freak
By Phil Specht on Jun 17, 2008 7:19 PM EDThttp://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/linkframe.php?linkid=61982
At some point in mid August, John McCain will announce that he has decided that he can not accept his party's nomination for president. The reason will be health-related, and that may turn out to be the truth. Anyone who's seen him on stage these days knows he looks like he's about to keel over. And anyone who's been on a presidential campaign knows the physical demands are grueling and can be a challenge for a young man.
But excuses or facts hardly matters. He won't be accepting his party's nomination.
The reasons are simple. He can't win. Now that Obama is the presumptive Democratic nominee -- the polls all show that McCain's pro-war stance and Bush endorsement make him a lost cause in November. That combined with soft stand on litmus test conservative issues make him an unpopular candidate among the base. I know some Democrats that think the Republicans are planning to let McCain lose and 'sit this one out' so that they can hang the democrats with a bad economy and a war that is a morass. But that just isn't how they play. They play to win every hand -- think about 2000 with a popular Democratic president and good economy and a solid VP running for president. Why did they put up Bush? And why did they fight so hard? Because, you don't ever throw a game. And they're not going to throw this one.
McCain won't be the nominee.
After McCain has completed soiling the R Party, taking up the slack from Bush, it would be difficult to imagin that any other Republican would run knowing he/she would lose.
Where there are Republicans on the ticket in New Hampshire (they have given up on some counties and districts) there are multiple candidates for the primary. Many candidates energizes the base. What fun would a horse race be if there were only one running?
somebody on KOS reported on an interview with Geogie in which he said he'd recommend to one of his family to run and that a lot can happen in six months. Of course, he was wrong about Hillary being the Dem nominee. LOL
Still keeping an eye on Huckabee.
McCain's a stalking horse. Besides, Republicans don't like long campaigns.
- George W. Bush has been one of the most successful Presidents ever in carrying out his agenda.
By Phil Specht on Jun 17, 2008 7:17 PM EDTshoveled a trillion dollars of working stiffs taxes to the top 2%
weakened every government department(drownable)
private contractors bonanza
sky high oil company profits
eternal war
no failure there
http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=15419
| Taliban capture US helicopter parts |
 |
|
|
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Parts filmed and CDs released to media  By Hamid Mir ISLAMABAD: In a startling operation that shook the Pentagon, the White House and the US administration some weeks back, the Taliban in the tribal areas captured parts of three US helicopters — Chinook, Black Hawk and Cobra — while they were being shipped in huge containers from Peshawar to Jalalabad in Afghanistan. Pakistani officials have confirmed the capture while the US diplomats stationed in Islamabad are trying to fudge the issue without denying it outright. US embassy spokesperson Elizabeth Colton commented: "The embassy has no comment on this as the information appears to be only hearsay." When this correspondent informed the embassy spokesperson that he had seen pictures of the stolen parts of helicopters, she again said "no comment". Some diplomats in Islamabad are very much aware of this recent Taliban operation but they were not ready to speak on record. |
I tend to agree that he won't be the nominee. And I think Rice will be in the mix somewhere.
Huckabee/Rice or maybe Huckabee/Jeb or maybe Jeb/Rice or maybe Rice/Huckabee. All those combos could win.
Huckabee has a likeability factor few can match and the *people* like Condi - out of ignorance I think.
CM was talking about a floating rumor : BO/ Hagel
- The Republican brand is trash, they could run the ghost of Ronnie himself and lose.
By Phil Specht on Jun 17, 2008 7:54 PM EDThay making went great today and the ground will be dry enough in the morning to replant some
another week without rain would add a hundred million bushels to the corn crop
but they had better be ready down the Big River 'cause there is a whole lot of water coming down rain or shine
Is that the way it is done, 'til it has the appropriate moisture content?
Beat LA!
Seek higher ground, folks.
Just had a conference call with all the delegates going to Denver!
Tim Kaine is our honorary chair.
Lots of parties!!!!!!!!!
- What is your metaphor for the failed conservative values?
By Imn2Paine on Jun 17, 2008 8:09 PM EDTI, um, well tend to think of an hereditary aristocracy, which is supported by a framework of occupations and sycophants.
A progressive American colonial revolution is a going concern - still, today, doing battle against a conservative aristocracy.
_______OT 'least I tried. Good post, Edwin.
I just cannot get used to "Edwin" being someone else's name. . . . weird, eh?
My last was the first time I have used the name. I just couldn't before. I still feel queezy having done so.
So, not really weird, at all.
I hear ya ♥
~ ~ ~
Edwin R, so you know, we're speaking of a former blogger here. A greatly loved man.
and rest assured, your posts are valued and not being ignored. We are a group of cats not easily herded into staying on topic, but we do read, absorb, and respond in our own good time. Your documentary work is excellent and I love to see your posts come up.
once you are joined you are a part of all futures
the magic of coming together
Edwin is still here
Wednesday 18 June 2008
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I think of your Edwin every time I hear the name Edwin.
http://www.opednews.com
Al Gore endorsed Obama last night, throwing in a strong kick in the pants to Dubya. A bit too late to mean much. It WAS a good speech and it made me, again, like gastrointestinal reflux makes you taste something you ate, hours ago, wonder what this world would be like if he'd found his voice before 2001. Some TV pundits commented how different the world and the nation would be if GOre had won, what a mistake the US had made.
It is tragic that the Democrats in congress refuse to do the right thing and impeach.
Perhaps, if the corpstream media talk more about the abject, horrific failure of Bush and Cheney, the Republicans will face the fact that history will look just as badly or worse upon them for not removing them from office and THEY will impeach them. How ironic if the Democrats blocked them from protecting the constitution? Would that show that the Democrats are NOT impeaching because they deem it politically advantageous to keep Bush dangling in the wind?
Israeli Government: "Immoral, Unethical And Illegal" (3 comments) " This behavior is immoral, unethical and illegal and the Israeli Government should be held accountable, by the International Community, for its abuse of the rights of the children to safety and education."-Maried Corrigan-Maguire, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate speaking from Hebron, June 5, 2008
That TD Banknorth GARDEN is a huge improvement over the old GARDEN. It is electric/very modern.
This Makes At Least Two Serious Analysts Who Believe McCain Won't Be the GOP Nominee It may take weeks, or perhaps even a few months, but the odds are John McCain will drop out of the presidential race for the Republican nomination before the first vote is cast in Iowa in January.
Whack world, Sea. I think you may be on a continuous high from all the dancing you do.
Are there odds on 'Cain living 'til the General?
June 17, 2008
This Makes At Least Two Serious
LOL! So rong, eh? But why would someone post that today?
can't get to the newbie I'm stuck in a login loop, see you after the game
I'm confused - going to a new thread from a direct link makes you login again? Sheesh, how frustrating. Looking forward to your return :-)
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- What is your metaphor for the failed conservative values?
By Edwin Rutsch on Jun 17, 2008 11:29 AM EDTFor example, if conservative values were a type of machine, or land, or animal, etc., what would they be like?