Don't Think of a Pig: Why "Corporate Greed" Is the Wrong Frame For OWS Protests link added

[Omaha Steve]

Link: http://www.alternet.org/economy/152733/don%27t_think_of_a_pig:_why_"corporate_greed"_is_the_wrong_frame_for_occupy_wall_street_protests/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=alternet_workplace

By Frances Moore Lappe and Anthony Lappe

Don't Think of a Pig: Why "Corporate Greed" Is the Wrong Frame For Occupy Wall Street Protests

Is greed really the problem? We don't think so. Let's call the crisis what it is: the rise of privately held government.
October 14, 2011 |

As the Occupy Wall Street enters its fourth week, the meta-narrative around the rapidly spreading movement is beginning to take shape. From CNN to Fox News to many protestors themselves, one central slogan is sticking: corporate greed.

During an inspiring visit to Zoccutti Park, we saw abundant posters with slogans like "Another Mother Against Corporate Greed" to "Corporate Greed is the Vampire."

OWS has historic potential. It's already succeeding in raising questions typically buried by the mainstream media. We want it to gain power fast, but much will depend on how its core message gets framed. As linguist George Lakoff argued in his seminal book Don't Think of an Elephant, "frames" have enormous power.

Unfortunately, smashing "corporate greed" is not only limiting, but we fear it's bound to fail. The "we are virtuous, you are evil" message is admittedly, a great way to get people fired up. But does it get us where we need to go?

FULL story at link.

[OneGrassRoot]

1. Here's a link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frances-moore-lappe/wall-street-greed-_b_1007164.html

(Maybe you can include in OP, Omaha Steve?)

:hi:

[Omaha Steve]

3. Thanks

I was in a hurry to post and forgot to include the link. It happens. ;-)

[RegieRocker]

2. Greed keeps employees from getting their fair share. So I believe

both and many more issues must be addressed.

[aquart]

4. Give me a three or four word meme for it.

Because it may be true but it's too complex for protest framing.

Although I am happy to submit PRIVATIZATION SUCKS.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. "It's the system, stupid."

:shrug:

It's our systems that enable greed to run amok, and the system which prevents the better angels of our nature from taking hold and rising to the fore.

Our political system, our economic system, our "media" system, education, blah, blah.

Everything. Everything is competition, survival of the fittest...no compassion or cooperation.

It's the system, stupid.

That's my meme offering.

;)

:hi:

[randome]

7. Yeah, agree, but telling people to behave better

...isn't going to get much traction. The 'System' works. It's the System's overseers -our elected representatives- who aren't doing their jobs to make sure abuses don't occur.

Fewer corporate tax breaks and loopholes. More financial regulations to ensure another crash does not happen.

That's what needs to be the focus, IMHO.

[aquart]

9. Too vague. Could be my plumbing.

And it could easily be in favor of more privatization.

[CTyankee]

6. Isn't the whole point of OWS is pull off the mask of corporate greed?

What the hell is it about if not that?

[randome]

8. If OWS represents the 99%

...then most people already KNOW corporations are greedy. It's in their very nature. We need more regulations to make sure they don't forget their place.

[aquart]

10. It's a mask? I thought that was their real face.

[nineteen50]

11. Just a question

Do you think the sun rises or the earth rotates?

[valerief]

12. No, privately held government is just a means to an end. The 1% like writing their own laws so they

can make more money. Cuz they're GREEDY!