The Science of Manipulation

Interesting video, "Deceiving Images, the Science of Manipulation": http://www.nypl.org/audiovideo/deceiving-images-science-manipulation

One of the key take-aways for me from the video is that all words, regardless of the speaker's intent, invoke a frame or context, which is then used as part of the listener's evaluation process.

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I don't see use of this knowledge so much as manipulation, as its title says.  Rather, this sort of understanding of communication is key when you're trying to get something across to a large audience.

The point they made is that in order to communicate your message to the masses, it needs to be properly framed. The particular words that are used has a huge impact. The words can (should) still be genuine and true, but they should also be carefully chosen to have maximum impact -- particularly in advertising.

What are some ways that a potentially controversial political message could be polished by invoking the right frames?

For example, instead of "Abolish the Federal Reserve," it could be:

--> Stop the government from stealing your savings
--> Eliminate the hidden tax of inflation

Here's a few more politically oriented ideas along these lines:

End the occupation of Iraq. Bring our troops home.

Your paycheck is worth less every week because boat-loads of money are being printed to pay for the occupation in Iraq, which dilutes the value of your money

The amount you are being paid in social security is being reduced every year -- not by giving you fewer dollars, but by making those dollars able to buy less by printing so many of them

Guess who benefits first when the government prints lots of new money? Wall Street. Guess who gets hurt most? The middle class and the poor.

When the government prints new money, it is robbing from the poor and giving to the rich.

You are being taxed without your consent, by a hidden tax called inflation.

Guess how health insurance companies make more money? Not by providing more service, but by declining claims. Do you really want all health care in this country to be controlled by insurance companies?

When illegal immigrants get free health care, they are stealing from the American Taxpayer.

Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes.
A few short ones:

Privacy is your Right

End the Iraq Occupation

Stop the Theft

Inflation is Theft