Why Influence?
Everyday
Modern
Definitions
Ethics I
Ethics II
Disciplines
Approach
Bad Info
Structure
Mindfulness
Mindlessness
6 Principles
Matrix
Cults I
Cults II
Cults III
Framing I
Framing II
Framing III
Framing IV
Framing V
Framing VI
Framing VII
Framing VIII
Bibliography
Links |
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Frame Defense
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Although frames can be used for good or ill, you
have seen how easily they can be used to manipulate people. How does one
defend oneself against manipulative frames? A difficult question, to be
sure. I believe most frames escape notice, because humans are generally
too busy or distracted to realize an issue has been framed. Nonetheless,
I recommend the following steps to combat framing manipulation: |
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Write the decision, with "vs." between issues. Then ask: "Are these
truly the issues, or have they shifted?" If so, reframe. |
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If a decision seems to be a simple open-and-shut case, ask, "What other
frames would be appropriate? Is this decision really this simple or is
an existing frame making it seem so?" |
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Remember that you are in charge of your frames. Ask yourself, "What's
important here?" and then act accordingly. For instance, the young parents
introduced on the page entitled Three Framed Victims
should have asked themselves, "Do we have money to spend on this set of
books? Or is there something more important to our family's welfare in
which we should invest?" |
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If you encounter a situation in which a communicator stands to benefit
from your compliance, ask: "What's the agenda for the person presenting
this information? Why is this particular aspect of the topic being made
salient?" Be suspicious. Attempt to counter with alternate frames. |
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Beware of anything that physically frames. Like a TV! Notice its wider-than-tall
proportion, and the way the TV case surrounds the picture tube? It's a
frame! Anything you see on TV has already been framed for you. The same
goes for the web, radio, newspapers, and magazines, as well as pictures
in museums! A frame isn't necessarily bad, but keep in mind that it does
require you view the situation from a certain perspective.
I hope you make sure a framed perspective is beneficial for you, too--not
just for the person who made the frame! |
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out the Social Persuasion Links too.
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