Quote:
Originally Posted by smc
Naomi Wolf's thesis is important and interesting, but I think she hurts herself by referring to this as the "third rail." Why? Because in the American political vernacular, "third rail" is widely known to refer to Social Security. Hence, she inadvertently sows confusion.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ila
I didn't see any confusion as she explained what she meant by the third rail.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by aw9725
It was clear to me what she meant. And I think she?s right. She could also have said something like ?touched a nerve.? But touching the ?third rail? has more powerful and deadly connotations.
Don?t forget I lived in NYC for a short time and used to ride the subway!  |
It was clear to me, too. I guess I didn't do a good enough job of making my point, which is that when wants to create a political shorthand for something it is best not to choose a term that is already in widespread use as shorthand for something else.