I think that the correct way to frame the stance is "athiest" vs "free
thinker" which is like the frame of the abortion debate terminology;
"anti-abortion" vs "pro-life."
In communication theory, and sociology, framing is a process of
selective control over the individual's perception of media, public,
or private communication, in particular the meanings attributed to
words or phrases. Framing defines how an element of rhetoric is
packaged so as to allow certain interpretations and rule out others.
Media frames can be created by the mass media or by specific political
or social movements or organizations. The concept is generally
attributed to the work of Erving Goffman, especially his 1974 book,
Frame analysis: An essay on the organization of experience...
...In politics, linguists point to an example of framing in the phrase
"tax relief"; the use of the word "relief" implies a notion that the
prevailing level of taxes put strain on the citizen, and casts those
who oppose it as insensitive to taxpayers; similarly, when tax
reductions are framed as "giveaways to the rich," this casts those who
support reduced taxation in a bad light.
Terms which frame debate seek to limit the possibilities of discourse
by setting the vocabulary and metaphors by which an issue can be
discussed. In this view, framing cannot be avoided--it is an inherent
part not just of political discourse, but of literally all cognition,
both conscious and unconscious--but the effort should be made to do it
consciously.
According to Klandermans, a sociologist, the "social construction of
collective action frames," involves "public discourse, that is, the
interface of media discourse and interpersonal interaction; persuasive
communication during mobilization campaigns by movement organizations,
their opponents and countermovement organizations; and consciousness
raising during episodes of collective action." (1997: p. 45)
Cultural anthropologist Jeffrey Feldman, writing about framing and
politics in his Framing the Debate suggests that frames are cognitive,
cultural and historical. Feldman demonstrates that for framing to be
effective as strategic politics, it must be rooted in rhetorical
tradition. Feldman makes his case by drawing on historic speeches
(e.g., Presidential addresses) to understand and define contemporary
debate challenges...
...Buzzword Communication theory Code word (figure of speech)
Demagoguery Figure of speech Frame analysis Framing effect Language
and thought Meme Newspeak Political frame Power word Stovepiping Trope
Argumentation Theory;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framing_%%28communication_theory%%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framing_%%28psychology%%29
Framing effect is a phenomenon observed when a decision maker, faced
with a dilemma, becomes susceptible to the manipulation of context,
where choices are controlled by how risky decision-frame options are
presented. A decision-frame is a subjective conception of the actions,
outcomes and contingencies associated with decision options. The
(mis-)representation of options, due to the framing effect, often
influences the choices of decision makers.
The context or framing of problems adopted by decision makers is
controlled in part by extrinsic manipulation of the decision options
offered, as well as by forces intrinsic to decision makers, e.g.,
their norms, habits, and unique temperament.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framing_effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demagoguery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspeak
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzzword
Framework for Ethical Decision Making & Justification of Ethical
Standards
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.philosophy/msg/c6bcff1194250a28
http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/two-wrongs-make-a-right.html
