Have the use of war metaphors gone too far? More specifically, does it matter? that is, do these metaphors really influence how people think and act about movies, sports, politics and "real" wars?

Duplicate post.

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1264381152

I've heard the "football is metaphor for war" opinion since at least 1975. It's not a brand new idea. I'm sure there are umpteen other connections like this that can be made.

Please post what YOU THINK.

What is YOUR answer to this? After you do your reading and writing, please repost and we will be happy to make further suggestions if needed.

To determine whether the use of war metaphors has gone too far and whether it truly matters, we can analyze the influence of these metaphors on people's thinking and behavior in various domains like movies, sports, politics, and actual wars. Here's how you can approach the analysis:

1. Understand the power of metaphors: Metaphors are potent linguistic tools that help us comprehend abstract concepts by relating them to more familiar ones. They shape our understanding and influence our thinking.

2. Gather evidence: Look for instances where war metaphors are commonly used in everyday language in movies, sports, politics, and discussions about real wars. Pay attention to how these metaphors are employed, their frequency, and the contexts in which they are used.

3. Examine movies and sports: Movies and sports often employ war metaphors to describe competition, rivalries, and the desire for victory. Explore whether these metaphors are just rhetorical flourishes or if they genuinely shape people's attitudes, emotions, and behaviors in these domains.

4. Evaluate politics: Politics frequently utilizes war metaphors to frame electoral campaigns, policy debates, and international relations. Investigate whether these metaphors influence people's perceptions of political leaders, their support for certain policies, and their willingness to engage in conflict or negotiation.

5. Consider real wars: Examine how war metaphors shape public opinion, national identity, and citizens' willingness to support or protest actual wars. Explore whether these metaphors effectively communicate the gravity of war or oversimplify complex geopolitical situations.

6. Analyze research studies: Look for studies and scholarly articles that investigate the impact of war metaphors in various domains. Examine their findings and conclusions to understand the potential influence of these metaphors.

By engaging in this analysis, you can gain insights into the extent to which war metaphors have permeated different aspects of society and whether they significantly impact people's thoughts and actions. Remember to consult reputable sources, research studies, and different perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.