Sometimes when we want to challenge an injustice or right a wrong, we face up to the perpetrator, and tell it like it is. This can work if you can identify a single individual or group to address, and it certainly can make us feel better. But what happens if the injustice is systematic or institutional? What about when the problem is government bureaucracy or faceless corporations?
Some decisions by bureaucrats can leave us dazed and confused, like the persistent use of IE6 when there are better and safer browsers out there, downloadable for free. There is no point writing a letter to our MP, because it will never reach the decision makers. We can blog about it but our readership will probably be people who agree with our point of view. We can stage a rooftop protest and make the tabloid newspapers but even if the decision makers read our opinion then it is just the opinion of a crank.
In fact there is only one way that the decision makers will change their minds and come to their senses; when they come to our point of view of their own accord! So does that mean we just have to wait patiently? No that means we use the subtle power of metaphor.
What is a Metaphor?
A psychologist walks into a tool store and asks the assistant for a hamerfor. “Whats a hamerfor?” asks the assistant. “Driving in Nails!” replies the psychologist. “I will also take a Metaphor” adds the psychologist and so the assistant, playing along, responds “Whats a Metaphor?”. “Driving in Ideas” smiles the psychologist.
Pigeon Loft Metaphors and IE6
For a subtle metaphor involving pigeon lofts, faceless corporations and bureaucracy, click here to read It Could Never Happen Could It?