Shift?
When did flip-flop become a verb?
Why is it when President W changes his mind it is referred to as a “shift,” while if Obama changes his mind it is a “flip-flop”?
Examples:
Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline, Steve Lee Myers, NY Times, 7/19/08
Obama flip-flops on telecom immunity, Marquerite Reardon, CNetNews.com, 7/2/08
I bring this up because, as the ever vigilant communications student, I understand words matter. Words imply things, mean things, paint pictures.
“Shift” sounds permanent, decisive and real. “Shift” sounds like some serious thought went into the decision; something we realize is a long-shot for Bush– it’s more likely Republican think-tanks have advised him to change his language.
In contrast, “flip-flop” sounds like bubblegum. Flip-flop. Flip-flop; tomorrow I’ll change my mind again. Lalala.
“But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.”
– George Gordon Byron
As you listen, read and watch the news, pay attention to word choice. Ask yourself why the media and the campaigns are using certian language; what message are they trying to convey through their word choice?
Another example:
Consider statements like, “Bush-McCain administration” or “Socialist Progressives.” Strong connections are made with those phrases; false connections.
How about “Project Iraqi Freedom” or “Insurgents.” Are we the insurgents? What is freedom, and is it possible to transplant it? Are we as free as we think we are? Are the Iraqi people going to be free to drill their own oil again, or is that not the kind of freedom we’re talking about?
Don’t take spoonfuls of “news” and run with them. Instead, think about what you’re being fed.
Something we discuss in class a lot is this: if you truly want to be as informed as possible, you have to look beyond the facade of the news. You’re going to have to do your own homework– which includes reviewing the (often long) history of the issues, studying every side of the issues (there are often more than the two we’re presented), thinking critically about what the news is reporting versus what you know to be true.
“Shift.” “Flip-Flop.” “Freedom.” “Insurgent.” “Terrorist.” Yes, those are all just words. But, don’t forget: words are mighty powerful.
