GERM SPREADERS! GERM SPREADERS! GERM SPREADERS! GERM SPREADERS! ...

[R02091201]

Good messaging means saying things that are SHORT and which evoke images that hit the emotions hard.

Don't go on long meanderings with messaging, be it positive or negative. Keep it short, powerful, and image-invoking leading to emotional reaction.

Whenever you see or hear these Trump Cultists crowing about their "rights" and refusing to wear masks, etc. just look them in the face and call them "Germ Spreaders." If some Trump Cultist says something snarky to you for wearing your mask, call him/her a "GERM SPREADER." Don't waste time with numbers, logic, etc. WON'T WORK. Instead just look the person in the face and say "YOU'RE A GERM SPREADER. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT AT ALL TO BE A GERM SPREADER! GO BE A GERM SPREADER SOMEWHERE ELSE!" Then watch his/her face explode. If they yell something just keep saying "GERM SPREADER! GERM SPREADER!...." Stay right on message. (Remember the "Fox Lies!" guy at the Madison, WI demonstrations against Scott Walker? You Tube it! All he says is "Fox Lies!" over and over again to the Fox reporter. SO EFFECTIVE! That's how you do it!)

If you write a letter to the editor, are on social media, etc. etc. etc. say they are "GERM SPREADERS." If you engage with them in any way, anywhere, just say "YOU'RE A GERM SPREADER! YOU'RE A GERM SPREADER!"

If you want to be proactive, write letters to the editor and make comments on social media saying "DON'T BE A GERM SPREADER!"

This is effective because it is short, clear, image-invoking, emotion-invoking, and SHAMES the violator.

PS: TAKE CONTROL OF THE NARRATIVE AND THE MESSAGE. GET ON OFFENSE AND STAY THERE.

BE SHORT, CLEAR, and STRONG in messaging. Don't waste time with long lectures, long arguments, and lots of logic. It is a waste of breath and time. You will not beat them with all that. Just call them GERM SPREADERS and say it over and over again.

Please SPREAD the word! Thanks!

[chowder66]

1. I like it!

[R02091201]

2. Thanks and hope you will SPREAD the word and use the word. MUCH APPRECIATED! :-)

[global1]

3. I Use The Term 'Spreader' For These People.....nt

[R02091201]

5. GREAT! If you add "GERM" it makes it more powerful though. THANKS!!

[Midnight Writer]

7. Me, too.

[proud patriot]

4. Welcome Underground

[R02091201]

6. THANKS!

[csziggy]

8. Can someone dub "GERMSPREADER" over this clip?

It would be great to post to covidiots online!

[R02091201]

10. GREAT IDEA! LOVED THAT MOVIE! :-)

[proud patriot]

37. that was the first image that came to my mind too

[yonder]

9. I like it and your thinking here. A short, simple frame can work wonders.

[R02091201]

11. YUP! SHORT, SIMPLE, POWERFUL FRAMING. (George Lakoff stuff. It WORKS!)

[yonder]

79. Mr. Lakoff stuff. Exactly.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

12. You say it's effective. What is the effect?

Then watch his/her face explode.

Oh wait, is that the goal?

[Nature Man]

13. They laugh

People who don't care just DON'T CARE.

[R02091201]

15. Oh no they don't all laugh. And I am talking about message FRAMING, not just face to face but in

all forms of communication, as I said in my post. People can go on long wasted-breath tangents, try to use all sorts of logic, get into
long-winded USELESS arguments, or keep it short and label them GERM SPREADERS.

And again, trust me, call them GERM SPREADERS and many faces go red and steam comes out of the ears, and they storm away.

People need to use and repeat STRONG CLEAR SIMPLE POWERFUL MESSAGE FRAMING. Don't waste time on long-winded "logic" arguments. THAT is what they laugh at.

[Nature Man]

17. people who are filled with hate

and who don't care about human life don't care about "message framing" when you're trying to shame them.

THEY HAVE NO SHAME.

[babylonsister]

20. "Trust me" worries me. How many

people have you been around, and why? Your post indicates you have done a study, so who was involved?

[R02091201]

24. Don't be worried. This is a rhetorical conversation on a forum. We don't need to start getting

into requests for "studies." Though I have read a great deal on effective message framing and suggest you do too, and I have certainly used it in many ways. Good message framing especially in political debates/issues is absolutely critical.

[R02091201]

14. I am talking about short brief powerful simple clear message framing. You don't go on long wasted

tangents that put people to sleep and don't work. You use short, clear, image-based framing.

For example, you call Bush's "Clear Skies Initiative" the "DIRTY AIR LAW."

The goal is to FRAME THE MESSAGE clearly, concisely, and with imagery that evokes emotional reactions and sticks in the mind. Don't call them "protesters" or "people opposed to wearing masks." Call them GERM SPREADERS.


If you are writing a letter to the editor, you can go on long "charts and graphs" tangets or keep it shorter and talk about how "NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT , OR "FREEDOM", TO BE A PUBLIC GERM SPREADER.

People need to learn to do effective message framing. Too many don't know how.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

16. But...what is the effect?

[R02091201]

21. Allow me to explain further with some examples.

Think of "a person opposed to using personal protective equipment in public settings."
Now imagine a "Germ Spreader."

Think of "a person opposed to the controversial method of abortion to terminate pregnancy."
Now imagine someone "Trying to put women, doctors, and nurses in jail."

Think of "a person who wants to use a demand-side economic theory to increase wages in the lower to middle income brackets."
Now imagine someone "Fighting for good jobs at high wages."

Think of "a person who too frequently engages in dishonest commentaries."
Now imagine "A Pathological Liar."

The effect is that you are using short, clear, simple message framing that much better forms images and therefore emotional reactions that resonate better and stick better. If someone wants to waste time with charts and graphs and numbers and reams of logic when trying to message opposition to those "protesting" about their "freedom" to not wear masks or use social distancing then be my guest and get ready to waste lots of time and breath. Or, just say they are GERM SPREADERS and have no right at all to be GERM SPREADERS. "GERM SPREADER" gets right to the point and labels these people for what they are spot on target. And frames need to be REPEATED. You FRAME your messages and your opponents. And you don't do it with long boring dull rambling messaging that loses it's message before you finish or language that is too long and evokes little to no emotional imagery.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

25. I understand framing. I'm asking if public shaming along what is now seen as partisan lines

is actually effective.

[R02091201]

28. Are you insulted when they scream SHEEP! and hurl insults and profanity, carry guns, etc.

there and take it, or, if you choose to respond, this kind of message framing is better than standing there and trying to reason with them with long lectures about the science around contagions. That does not work and never will.

And I am talking about using such messaging not just face to face but in other forms of communication, as said.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

33. "Are you insulted when they scream SHEEP! and hurl insults and profanity, carry guns, etc."

Insulted? No.

If a person has tested negative or is asymptomatic, how is "germ spreader" going to be effective?

[Nature Man]

18. So, I'm supposed to go out

and call complete strangers names and this will benefit what?

[R02091201]

22. I am talking about MESSAGE FRAMING and how you can RESPOND.

They are framing it up as their RIGHT and FREEDOM. You can stand there and allow them to do that, or frame THEM.

If people want to take the offense on social media, letters to the editor, etc. this is good framing that resonates.

Or, go on boring, wasted, long winded tangents with charts and graphs and numbers and logic..... Or don't engage at all allow them to frame the entire narrative and message.

Your choice.

[pnwmom]

26. It might not affect the aggressive germ spreader, but it might make onlookers think. n/t

[R02091201]

29. Exactly! I'm also talking about using this in letters to the editor, facebook messages, etc.

Not just face to face with the MAGATS. I am talking about the BROADER issue of MESSAGE FRAMING as well.

[pecosbob]

19. Spitters...

Anyone that comes in my market without a mask is a spitter so I put on my face shield over my mask

[R02091201]

31. Pretty good one too. Saying "SPITTER" and "GERM SPREADER" is GOOD message FRAMING!

[aikoaiko]

23. Aren't we all germ spreaders?

[pnwmom]

27. Not to the same degree, no. People who refuse to wear a mask during this pandemic

are CHOOSING to take the risk of spreading the deadly virus to others.

It's not incidental or accidental. It's a deliberate choice not to wear a mask.

[aikoaiko]

34. Of course, but as you say its a matter of degree and probabilistic to boot.

[pnwmom]

38. So? It's a LARGE degree of risk-taking for a DEADLY germ.

There is a huge difference between wearing a mask over your face in public at all times, and never wearing one. People spread germs just talking, and many coughs and sneezes are not caught in time by an elbow.

[aikoaiko]

43. yeah, I know. Its much better to wear masks to protect others.

My initial response was to the OP who thinks we should scold people by calling them germ spreaders as if people who wear masks aren't germ spreaders. We're all germ spreaders to a lesser or greater degree.

My point is that I think this is a bad way to go.

[R02091201]

30. Seriously? Who is more a germ spreader in a pandemic? Those using mitigation or those not using it?

[aikoaiko]

36. That's my point. Its matter of more or less and not an issue of being or not being.

[R02091201]

42. And my point is there is a HUGE difference between a WILFULL "GERM SPREADER" and someone who is

Last edited Sun May 24, 2020, 09:41 AM - Edit history (1)

following the rules and trying to NOT spread germs. You'regetting way too literal and technical. It is obvious that this message frame is about WILFULL germ spreaders who refuse to wear PPE just to show their loyalty to Trump and crazy right wing nonsense which is what it is really all about. Call them the GERM SPREADERS and DISEASE SPREADERS and OFFENDERS that they ARE.

Thanks

[aikoaiko]

45. Actually, I like the phrase "Willful Germ Spreaders"

That works better.

[R02091201]

47. Much appreciated. It works. :-)

[amuse bouche]

32. I've said 'disease spreader' more than once

[R02091201]

39. GOOD ONE TOO!

[pecosbob]

35. During the influenza pandemic people were barred from street-cars for not wearing masks

[R02091201]

40. YUP! You could be fined for spitting on the sidewalks, so I heard. GERM SPREADERS!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

41. Yeah... I mean...I'd rather not?

Me, just personally, I guess I’m just not the shouty type?

[R02091201]

44. Then use it in Facebook messages, letters to the editor, other social media, etc. I have said that.

I am not the type to be abused and allow my fellow citizens to be put at risk by these selfish GERM SPREADERS.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

59. I don't like using all-caps either.

They make me sound...irrational.

And if I’m trying to point out other people’s irrationality, it becomes rather counterproductive.

[Tipperary]

67. Lol, with you on this.

[DenverJared]

46. Excellent idea!!

[Karadeniz]

48. Okay...will do!

[R02091201]

50. THANKS! I have been spreading it out to MANY of my facebook friends.

[Tipperary]

68. Many of us do not do Facebook.

If I did, I am certain I would have no friends who needed this education.

[GETPLANING]

49. We must fight fire with fire.

[R02091201]

51. YUP! THANKS!

[live love laugh]

52. Germs don't kill necessarily. Germs are ubiquitous.

The message may not convey the lethality of Covid.

[R02091201]

61. You are being too literal. This is situation specific. You are leaving out context.

We are obviously talking about WILFULL germ spreaders. In message framing you take context into consideration.

We are also all "polluters" with our vehicles, lawnmowers, etc. etc., but NOTHING like the big oil and gas companies. It is fine to call them POLLUTERS even though we all pollute a little bit. Context context context.

[live love laugh]

71. Effective two-word messages don't require context or a lot of explanation. nt

[zentrum]

53. Yes. For God's Sake. Be...

...on the offensive.

[R02091201]

65. Damn right! WHEN THEY GO LOW, JUMP ON THEM HARD AND BEAT THEM DOWN LOWER!

[zentrum]

81. In these times, it's the only way.

[DesertRat]

54. I also like Keep Your Droplets to Yourself

Welcome to DU!

[R02091201]

63. Good one, but I like to say "Keep your GERMS to yourself. Stop being a Germ Spreader!" Thanks! :-)

[ecstatic]

55. I saw a video of them purposely coughing and even spitting on people

We're talking about some seriously sick, fucked up people here.

They'll wear that title like a badge of honor, just like they did with "deplorable."

[R02091201]

64. That is why it is ok to call them OFFENDERS and wilfull GERM SPREADERS and DISEASE SPREADERS.

[GulfCoast66]

56. Whatever. Had one dude ask why I wore a mask. In the Lowe's parking lot.

I told him I might have the virus and not know it so I wear the mask to protect my fellow Americans. He said nothing else. And it was odd. Most people were actually wearing masks. But I drive a Big truck and most people in my demographic are trump supporters. I think I just confused him.

I gave a polite answer to his questions and that was it.

Never start an argument with an idiot. They bring the dialogue down to their level And defeat you thru experience. Your better off telling them to ‘shut the fuck up’.

[R02091201]

60. I am talking about MESSAGE FRAMING in a more general sense as well. There is a larger picture too.

These people are saying not wearing masks etc. is all about FREEDOM. No! It is about people being WILFULL GERM SPREADERS.

And while in your situation you had a pretty passive person, many of these people are nasty. To respond with long talks and explanations is useless with those ones. A better response to someone being nasty about wearing a mask is "I am not interested in listening to a Germ Spreader in this epidemic. Go be a Germ Spreader somewhere else."

[Tipperary]

69. I have had no one ask me about wearing a mask. What an odd encounter.

I would simply say it is the responsible thing to do. I seriously doubt this is going to happen though.

[R02091201]

77. It is also about taking hold of the MESSAGE FRAMING in a general sense too.

[GulfCoast66]

80. As I said in my post, it was odd. And not seemingly confrontational.

I live in a generally red area but not deep red. Most people had on masks so it’s not like I was an anomaly.

I gave an answer and he went his way.

People are strange.

[babydollhead]

57. i have been calling maskless people "vectors"

its how i warn my masked companion of an approaching unmasked, spewing vector.

[R02091201]

62. Good, although many people don't know what a "Vector" is. Everyone knows what a Germ Spreader is.

[babydollhead]

75. true. but Vector sounds so threatening. like a wet sneeze.

[StarryNite]

58. Makes sense.

Less is more.

[Tipperary]

66. I do not go out much, unlike so many here.

And when I do, I get my business done and leave. I have no time or interest in calling stupid people names.

[R02091201]

70. It is not "name calling." It is MESSAGE FRAMING. You lose if you don't frame messages effectively.

[Tipperary]

72. I wear a mask. I think that is message enough.

Ymmv.

[R02091201]

73. You are missing the larger picture. I said it is about much more than individual interactions.

It is about the LANGUAGE to be used in ALL MANNER OF COMMUNICATION (letters to the editor, social media, etc.) when framing the issue. It is about EFFECTIVE MESSAGING. These Trump Lovers are trying to say their opposition to virus mitigation is about FREEDOM and RIGHTS. You counter that by FRAMING them as WILFULL GERM SPREADERS and DISEASE SPREADERS. In other words they are not "Fighting For Rights." They are not "Fighting For Freedom." That is their message. You counter their frame with the frame of "NO, THEY ARE WILFULL SELFISH DANGEROUS GERM SPREADER."

Politics (and much more in life) is about effective message framing.

[Tipperary]

76. All caps is not very effective.

Just my opinion.

[ThunderRoad]

74. Brilliant!

This is brilliant! I’m gonna start yelling GERM SPREADER at people later today in the parking lot of my Home Depot. I always find a few there not wearing masks. They key is to yell it in ALL CAPS, though. It will be more effective messaging when they hear it that way.

[live love laugh]

82. 🤣😂🤣😂

[babydollhead]

78. hearing a wet, uncovered sneeze

today I heard a wet uncovered sneeze in the park behind my house. and I noticed that my first thought was "cover your damn mouth!"
it used to be "bless you"

[backscatter712]

83. Also: Invoke an emotion. Disgust is a good emotion to invoke when a MAGAt is germ-spreading.

Give them a lot of "EWWWWW, GROSS!"

"I CAN SEE THE INSIDE OF HIS MOUTH!"

"COVER YOUR DISGUSTING-ASS ORIFICES!"

[calimary]

84. THIS IS OUTSTANDING!!!!! "Germ-Spreaders"!

Well?

What's the problem?

That's exactly what they are.

You do NOT have the "freedom" to be a GERM SPREADER!!!

You are SO spot-on, R02091201! Keep it short and simple. A two-word meme! It'll fit on ANY bumper-sticker! Even if you expand it to a complete sentence, a mere FIVE words will work: "DON'T be a GERM SPREADER!"

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

Let's spread it, Spread It, SPREAD IT!

[ThunderRoad]

85. GERM SPREADER at Home Depot!

Okay, I just got back from Home Depot and I'm still shaking. As promised, I went there to find someone not wearing a mask so I could yell "GERM SPREADER!" at them and help this new movement gain some traction.

As soon as I got there I saw a MAGAT-looking type in the parking lot heading back to his car not wearing a mask. I was wearing mine of course and I walked up to him about ten feet away and I pointed at his mouth and yelled, "GERM SPREADER!" He stopped for a moment and looked confused. He said, "What?". So again I pointed directly at his mouth and yelled louder, "GERM SPREADER!" So he says, "I'm sorry. I can't hear what you're saying." Yeah, right.

So I pulled down my mask, just so he could hear me, and yelled "GERM SPREADER!" again. You should have seen the look on his face, like all weird and confused. Then he reaches into his pocket and pulled out a mask and he says, "Dude, chill. I was wearing a mask inside. I'm outside now just heading to my car so I took it off. It's okay to not wear one outside if there's no one around."

Holy crap do you believe this anti-science MAGA idiot?! I friggen' wanted to explain the science to him but then I remembered for this shaming to work we're not supposed to get bogged down in long explanations or it will lose it's impact.

So I just yelled, "GERM SPREADER! GERM SPREADER!" at him over and over again as he walked toward his car. And he's like, "Dude, if you don't stop following me I'm going to call the police." Typical MAGA idiot threatening to call the police when he's confronted with his behavior which is literally putting millions of lives at risk.

"GERM SPREADER! GERM SPREADER!"

Then some lady with her two children were walking by and the little girl says, "Mommy, what's wrong with that man?", and the woman says, "Don't stare at him, just keep walking, sweetie."

Do you believe this? That could have been a teachable moment for her children and she could have instructed them to join me in yelling, "GERM SPREADER!" but instead she just hurries them along like I'm the crazy one. WTF?! This is what the world has come to today with all these brainwashed MAGA idiots! God help us all.

Anyways, tomorrow I'm heading over to Lowe's to find some more.