When trying to spread a message quickly and effectively,
it helps to have buzz words for maximum impact. It helps even more if you can
coin and define your own words. This allows you the control on how the word is
utilized; especially if the word represents something “new” in the public
arena. This strategy challenges those opposed to your view. It puts them at a serious disadvantage. They first have to interpret a word that has no real known or
defined meaning and then find a counter argument. Now, if the word is ill-defined and has a kaleidoscope of
characteristics they (the opponents or proponents) end up with a sort of Don
Quixote’s tilting at windmills moment.
Case and point the word
“fracking.” The original word frac’ing, was used within the industry to
describe a specific technology; “hydraulic fracturing.” In this highly
technical process, millions of gallons of water along with a measured amount of
chemicals are injected into a well. The well which is drilled vertically then
laterally into a shale formation utilizes the water to "hydraulically"
fracture the formation leading to the flow of the naturally occurring hydrocarbons
that were trapped in the shale. However, “fracking” as it is used commonly
takes on varying meanings that are dependent on what the user is trying to
illustrate, mostly representing a negative connotation.
The generalizations hidden in this word are vast; its use leads to fuzzy lines between rhetoric and fact. When representatives of the media or self-proclaimed bona fide movement leaders fall into the trap of using this word loosely to increase their appeal, they show a complete lack of intellectual honesty.
The generalizations hidden in this word are vast; its use leads to fuzzy lines between rhetoric and fact. When representatives of the media or self-proclaimed bona fide movement leaders fall into the trap of using this word loosely to increase their appeal, they show a complete lack of intellectual honesty.
