framing smackdown

In the comments of a previous post, there’s been some discussion of framing and abortion-debate-terminology. Nothing earth-shattering or new here — Girl From the South says framing is just “a strategic form of name-calling,” I disagree. We all discuss the terms “pro-life” versus “anti-choice.” I dislike when people accuse me of engaging in unfair framing by using the term “anti-choice,” as if “pro-life” is just some sort of neutral term devoid of any connotations.

And then .. someone wiser than us both in the ways of framing pointed out:

There is no such thing as an issue not being framed: if it’s an issue, it’s being framed. It’s a common mistake for advocates: their terminology is neutral, while anything else is clearly wrong/misguided/mean.

Wise. Go read her post, because it’s a lot more eloquent than this.