Don't Think of An Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate

This month, we’ll explore George Lakoff’s groundbreaking work on political framing. Lakoff shows how metaphors and values shape how people understand the world and why facts alone rarely change minds. By learning to recognize and reshape frames, we can communicate more effectively, counter authoritarian narratives, and advance a vision rooted in fairness, care, and democracy.

We’ll discuss how these ideas apply not just to national politics, but also to local issues here in Northern Colorado.

Discussion Prompts

• Lakoff says, “Frames trump facts.” Where have you seen this play out in current politics or media?
• Which of Lakoff’s family metaphors (“strict father” vs “nurturant parent”) resonated with you? Do you see these models in today’s political debates?
• What political phrases or slogans have shaped how you think about an issue? Were they effective? Why?
• How can we talk about local issues (schools, housing, climate, book bans) using values-first framing?
• Where does framing create opportunities to build bridges with moderates or conservatives who also oppose authoritarianism?
• How can we avoid accidentally reinforcing the very frames we want to challenge?