One of the dynamics in discussions about things that people
have different opinions about is how the topic is framed.
There are many ways
that this can be done. It’s important to recognize when someone is framing the
discussion, because it is in their interest & is an advantage for their
point of view that the framing not be noticed.
Questions reflect the unspoken assumptions of the questioner.
They are sometimes more of a statement than a question.
This video clip is a textbook example of someone using such
a strategy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk4mTfWXeiA
What do you think are the unspoken assumptions behind Harris' questions? Those assumptions are the basis for her questions, which are
really more statements than questions.
Here are a few things to remember (at least from my perspective as someone who has not worked in law enforcement) about the job of any law
enforcement agency:
Their primary purpose is not to concern themselves about
perceptions, but to enforce the law.
Any perceptions that they do generate should include be
positive among those they are tasked to protect, which in the case of ICE is
American citizens.
The people whom ICE deals with in fulfilling their task are
those who are or may be breaking the law. Any perception among this group is correctly
based on the fear of being caught. But this perception is incidental to the
actual work they do.
The unspoken assumption of Harris’ questions is that ICE
officers are to be concerned primarily with giving a positive, non-threatening
perception to those who are in the US illegally. According to this legislator, ICE
agents are to be PR people, not law enforcement professionals.
By the way, the nominee for ICE has no doubt conducted many
interrogations/interviews with suspected violators & is probably amused by the “serious demeanor”
being projected by Harris.
Incidentally Harris may also be positioning herself for a 2020 Democrat
run for president.
Just be aware of what's happening here.
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