Warning Words, Metaphors & Warning-Givers

Warning-givers usually have the self-image of being a sentry, a messenger, or a prophet (deserving, of course, of the group's respect and gratitude). If we wish to praise these warning-givers, we can call them "patriots"; if we wish to attack them, we can call them "rabble-rousers" or "agitators."

Warning-givers, both within or outside the established order, point out a threat to intensify the danger or the evils involved, usually try to blame these problems on one identifiable person, the scapegoat, on which all of the fears and hatreds can be focused.Warning about a present danger is usually built upon a past history, an accumulation of fears and hatreds, a series of charges, a list of grievances.

Political rhetoric (especially in international relations) may use coercive threats and warnings to Others, often called, saber-rattling, muscle-flexing, or a "show of force."

Many social animals have warning cries to alert the group to danger. Humans have a much more sophisticated warning system because we perceive so many different kinds of danger. At the simplest level, we have some very explicit warning words (beware, danger, look out, be careful, be alert, attention, watch out) and we can also warn others by using simple sounds and sights (cries, yells, sirens, whistles, bells, flashing lights, waving flags). But most of our more sophisticated warnings also involve (as they will be called here) "name-calling," "horror stories," and "atrocity pictures."

Are "warning words"used?
(e.g. Danger, Beware, Look Out, Be Careful, Watch Out)

Is there any stress on hidden danger?
(e.g. that the "Other" has secret plans, or conspiracies?)

Are common warning metaphors used to increase fears and anxiety.
When the threat doesn't seem so bad, these common metaphors (in addition to sensory alertness - "Wake up America,""open your eyes") will suggest a whole scenario in some peoples' minds:

Hidden Danger	Beginning Sequence	Contamination
(little seen, most hidden) tip of the iceberg waiting in ambush snake in the grass setting the trap secret agents underground cells roots	(little seen, most coming) slippery slope opening wedge foot in the door time-bomb ticking a gathering storm distant thunder snowball effect dominoes falling lit fuse	(little, but lethal) poisoned well drop of poison bad apple internal rot hidden cancer fertile soil, seedbed

The "beginning of a sequence" is probably the most popular imagery used because (1) it deals with future effects, which cannot be as easily challenged as the conspiracy or contamination appeals; (2) it is easily coupled with an urgency plea: "Stop it now . . . before it's too late! "

Even when the threat primarily involves external enemies, any internal critics or dissidents are often attacked by using metaphors of hand manipulation: that such internal critics are the puppets (marionettes), pawns (chess), or tools of the evil-outsider.