Terms of Ensnarement

This idea of reframing by renaming has proved to be quite effective in the past few years of public debate. Republican pollster Frank Luntz found that by saying 'climate change' instead of 'global warming,' the issue was effectively neutralized (though even he recently has jumped on the bandwagon). Luntz's website has an interesting, albeit Machiavellian, tagline: "It's not what you say, it's what they hear."

On the one hand, the general public I think would grasp Bill's definition. Most people know that when you express yourself, that means a part of who you are is being revealed either through speech, or what you create or wear, etc. Even professional athletes know that when they get elaborate tattoos that require a degree in semiotics to comprehend, they are indeed expressing themselves. It could be a very inclusive term.

But it may not be the best choice of words in corridors of power. 'Expression' is often used in legal contexts, typically in regards to free speech. There's a danger of using the word with policy-makers. Arts and culture will be conflated with more partisan, potentially controversial work that makes no attempt at being artistic. I think the broader the definition of 'expression,' the more difficult it becomes to defend when approaching those in power. Or worse, it will mean nothing to them.