The Science of Comprehension

Part VII

When the Metaphor is Wrong

(Supplemental)

To further show how the "Political Spectrum" metaphor is just plain wrong, try explaining what a moderate, centrist, middle-of-the-spectrum opinion would be on the following controversial issues:

Slavery

   Slavery   
not OK		        Slavery       
?		    Slavery   
OK1

Abortion

  Abortion   
OK 		        Abortion      
?		    Abortion  
not OK

Death Pentalty

 Death Penalty
not OK		    Death Penalty   
?		 Death Penalty 
OK

Gun Control

 Gun Control 
Good		      Gun Control     
?		  Gun Control 
Bad


Footnotes:
  1. Certainly a very controversial issue back in its time, and the conservatives were the ones who passionately resisted change.



—David Deley
April 1, 2009