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Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate Paperback – 1 Jan 1990

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George Lakoff (Author)
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George Lakoff (Author)
3.8 out of 5 stars 11 customer reviews
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3.0 out of 5 starsInteresting idea
By tomsk77 on 20 July 2008
Format: Paperback
George Lakoff is a big hitter in the world of linguistics and cognitive science and has been for somne years. Latterly he has tried to apply his academic knowledge to political discourse.

This short book was as I understand it produced in the wake of Bush's re-election as a guide for Democrats and other progressives on how to talk politics, and was quite a big thing in US politico circles when released. It is based around the interesting idea that the split in American politics is fundamentally a different conceptual understanding of America as a family. Republicans and the Right subscribe to what Lakoff describes as a 'strict father' model, whereas Democrats and progressives believe in a 'nurturant parent' model.

Lakoff argues that we principally think in terms of frames, and that different political visions also seek to present ideas within different frames. So, in his big example, Republicans talk about 'tax relief' rather than 'tax cuts', because the former suggests that tax is an affliction, that whoever brings relief is a hero, and whoever tries to stop the hero is a villain. Lakoff argues that there is no point fighting your opponent on their own ground. Once a frame - like tax relief - is in place it is effectively part of the wiring of the brain, and very hard to shift. We will ignore or seek to undermine information that doesn't fit the frame (known as confirmation bias in other areas). Therefore what you have to do instead is establish alternative frames that get across your view of the world.

It's an interesting idea, and personally I think there is some merit in the central ideas. However when it comes to applying these insights in practice the advice seems a bit more speculative.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery useful and concise
By Ash on 30 Mar. 2010
Format: Paperback
Lots of useful information, concisely written and very good value. I would recommend this book irrespective of your political colour as the ideas presented are valid for all parties, and indeed are useful in debates on any subject. The information is of particular relevance to minority groups who have to battle against stereotypes.
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4.0 out of 5 starsVery good study of how we should conduct debates
By William Podmore on 31 Jan. 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This is a fascinating primer on how to conduct political debate. Lakoff advises us to know our values and know our facts.
For example, he points out that taxes are wise investments for the future - schools, colleges, hospitals. It follows that privatisations - foundation hospitals and academies - are thefts. Tax is paying your dues, your patriotic membership fees. When the ruling class opposes taxes, it is actually opposing investment.
Through budget cuts, the government privatises the soft left, who become a type of charity, spending their own money on what the government should be doing.
Lakoff advises us on the proper standards of behaviour to use in debate: don't shout, don't abuse, don't complain, don't whine, don't plead, don't act like a victim. Don't be, or sound, angry or weak, unpatriotic or elitist. He urges, "Hold your ground. Always be on the offense. Never go on defense."
Inconsistencies are revealing. For example, when the British government backs Al-Qaeda in one place (Syria) and opposes it in another (Mali), this proves that the real agenda is not Al-Qaeda or terrorism at all, but about something else, usually control of resources, particularly oil.
He suggests that we visit the website [...] for more examples of framing debates.
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5.0 out of 5 starsDon't think of an elephant: know your values and frame the debate
By Mrs Sally Roberts on 24 Dec. 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I am particularly interested in E. Goffman (and others) who have formalised and named Frame Analysis within social interaction. Despite the title, this short book examines the Conservative political scene within America, but much of its message can be thought provoking for the individual where ever and in whatever situation they find themselves.
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4.0 out of 5 starsDon't think of US politicians
By C. J. Tyler VINE VOICE on 19 July 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
It's a pity this book focuses so much on US politics and politicians because there is a better book, for a wider readership, lurking within these pages. I'm interesting in US politics so thoroughly enjoyed this and have been made aware of a number of linguistic issues. Some of the analysis is quite cynical, but it is about politics ...
Short and easy to read with clear summaries of the main points. It's easy to see why this has been such a huge seller. Everyone should read it, especially if they don't have a clear idea of what a spin doctor does.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe book one must read!
By Yvonne Fast on 7 Aug. 2013
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This is a great book and should be read by everybody!!!! I can highly recommend it. Georg Lakoff is a genius and has not only found the cause of today's main problems, but also the solutions to them. It is amazing what one can do with the use of languages.
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