I will echo Bill's sentiment. In particular I've tried to use the "people in cars" or "drivers" language rather than "cars." A few times people have told me about the rights that a car has, and I've said words to the effect, "Cars don't have rights. The people driving them do." Got me through a conversation with a guy who said straight faced that because his car was bigger, he had more road rights. Turns out tone of voice is kinda critical in these discussions. ;)
-------------Patrick Lenon Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:16:24 -0600 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Bikies] Safe Streets, Safe People Superb post, Hans. Language is so important, particularly in the current political climate in Wisconsin. I'll make sure all my friends who bicycle see this. On 2/25/2015 3:56 PM, Hans Noeldner wrote: Great article on how Seattle Neighborhood Greenways and other advocacy groups overcame a “war on cars” mantra that was poisoning the discourse there. Please make sure to scroll down to the “Let’s Talk about Safe Streets” chart. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/how-smart-language-helped-end-seattles-paralyzing-bikelash It’s all about focusing on PEOPLE rather than things or identity groups. FYI I had the great pleasure of attending a presentation by former Seattle mayor Mike McGinn last fall, at the Strong Towns National Gathering. A truly inspiring guy, I hope he runs for President! Hans Noeldner _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
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