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November 1, 2004
: More about the issues...
Was this election ever about issues?
That depends upon what we mean by "issue." I use it to identify the point of disagreement or the point at which opponents agree to disagree. The ancient Greeks referred to this as stasis. But the term may also be used to identify a difference among commonplaces--those set bits of thought that we use to explain how the world works. Commonplaces are the verbal and textual shorthand (or bumper-sticker slogans) for ideology.
Much of our civic discourse as we see it played out on television is little more than the hurling of commonplaces at one another.
Reaching stasis means reaching a point at which we can begin discussions and deliberations. Stasis, then, encourages a rational beginning-game. Issues understood as dueling commonplaces, however, encourage an emotional, sound-bite end-game.
This election is surely about issues--issues as competing commonplaces. And the primary persuasive appeal is pathos.
Don't forget to vote!
Posted by acline at November 1, 2004 2:48 PM | | Spotlight