Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision : Book Review

"Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision" by George Lakoff is a thought-provoking exploration of political communication and ideology. Lakoff, a renowned linguist and cognitive scientist, delves into the power of language in shaping our political views and offers practical advice for progressives on how to effectively convey their values to the American public.

The book begins by delving into the concept of framing, explaining its role in shaping political debates. Lakoff argues that language is not merely a neutral tool for conveying information, but rather it influences how we understand the issues at hand. He examines the different frames used by conservatives and progressives, underscoring the importance of understanding and countering conservative frames in order to effectively communicate progressive values.

Lakoff then explores the notion of moral politics, highlighting the distinct moral systems that guide conservative and progressive thought. By comprehending these moral systems, Lakoff asserts that progressives can better articulate their values and challenge the moral frames often used by conservatives to dominate political discourse.

In the latter part of the book, Lakoff provides practical guidance for progressives on how to effectively communicate their values. He stresses the significance of staying true to core values, creating a clear narrative, employing authentic language, and adopting a long-term strategic approach to communication.

Overall, "Thinking Points" is a powerful and insightful book that prompts readers to critically analyze the role of language and framing in political communication. Lakoff presents a compelling argument for progressives to take control of the narrative by effectively expressing their values and vision. This book comes highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the influence of language on politics and advocating for progressive change.

What are readers saying?

Thinking Points by George Lakoff is a captivating book that urges readers to examine their political beliefs and delve into the underlying frames that shape political discourse. The book has garnered a variety of reviews, with some applauding Lakoff's insights and others critiquing his biased perspective.

One of the primary strengths of Thinking Points, as highlighted by many positive reviewers, is its ability to prompt readers to question their own political assumptions. Lakoff encourages readers to evaluate the values and frames that influence their political opinions, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of their own thought processes and engage in more nuanced discussions.

Lakoff's exploration of the role of language in shaping political debates is also well-received. Critics commend his analysis of conservative and progressive frames, which sheds light on the strategies employed by different political ideologies to present issues in a specific manner. Lakoff's writing is consistently praised for being engaging and accessible, successfully making complex cognitive theories more comprehensible to the general reader.

However, some negative reviews argue that Thinking Points is noticeably biased towards progressivism and fails to present a balanced analysis. These readers feel that Lakoff's strong political views are too dominant throughout the book, detracting from the objectivity they were seeking. Critics also note that individuals familiar with Lakoff's previous works may find much of the content repetitive.

A few reviewers mention that the book can be dense and challenging to read at times. They suggest that a background in cognitive science or linguistics may be beneficial in fully comprehending and appreciating Lakoff's arguments. Additionally, some readers feel that the book does not provide enough practical guidance on how to apply the concepts discussed to real-world political situations.

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