Practical solutions for people + planet
Semantics and Metaphors
The Environmental movement spans both politics and faith, two areas where debate can become very passionate. In faiths, conflicts are often based upon one groups' metaphors not matching another's metaphors. In politics, semantics can be lines drawn in the sand. I think this is an area worth exploring: how do we use words?
The words we use, and the meanings we ascribe to them, affect how we think and therefore how we see the world and understand any given issue. Many different groups within the environmental movement do not see eye to eye on issues. Passions can boil, and communication and respect can break down. I have seen some of these conflicts be based upon semantics. I think this is a shame, and a travesty in which we all lose.
I would like to explore how we use words. I would like this exploration to be respectful, seeking better communication rather than conversion to one way or another. Some of these are potentially enormous cans of passionate worms ;^D. I would like us to be civil to one another, agreeing to disagree if we must.
The words we use, and the meanings we ascribe to them, affect how we think and therefore how we see the world and understand any given issue. Many different groups within the environmental movement do not see eye to eye on issues. Passions can boil, and communication and respect can break down. I have seen some of these conflicts be based upon semantics. I think this is a shame, and a travesty in which we all lose.
I would like to explore how we use words. I would like this exploration to be respectful, seeking better communication rather than conversion to one way or another. Some of these are potentially enormous cans of passionate worms ;^D. I would like us to be civil to one another, agreeing to disagree if we must.
Tags: communication, conflict, explore, faith, metaphors, politics, semantics, words
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by NaTasha Shastan Bertrand on -
I'll start:
Anyone up for discussing how we employ the verbs "to use" and "to exploit"? Are they interchangeable, or not? How do you employ them and understand them?
For instance, does "using" animal mean that you are "exploiting" it?
Curious,
NSB
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Permalink Reply by NaTasha Shastan Bertrand on
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Here's another, and it is a can of worms!!!
What are your understandings of the terms "hunter" "subsistence hunter" "commercial hunter" "conservation hunter" and "poacher"?
Please, lets remember to be civil on this one.
NSB
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Permalink Reply by Afriendof B on -
Tough subject. Language is one of the first lines of defense in protecting the group. It helps define the group and exclude non-group members. This is true on the level of nations and small work groups. It is particularly evident when ideological turf is involved. Finding a common language requires breaking down group boundaries or inventing overly encumbered politically correct words that don't mean anything. We are group creatures. Defending the group was (and still is) key to our survival. Exploring the language used by varoius groups may lead to some more detailed understanding, but usually serves to clarify and strengthen the differences between groups.
This should be an interesting discussion if anyone in this "community" is brave enough to participate.
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