This pair of noun phrases is the template for the WRD DSRPTR 2 project, in all three noun categories no less. In the category of the tech function word [i.e., user engagement term], “repost” may be thought of as the pinnacle of public expression online, that function most likely to facilitate an idea’s virality in the social media landscape. In a word, few other tech functions are so constituted as to aggressively, or so forthrightly, engage in the experience of lived reality online, for the reason that most tech functions pertain to actions primarily or wholly affecting the individual that uses them, such as those actions signified by a “block,” “map,” or “download.” Whereas these latter functions occur — or rather appear to occur — in a private space, the “repost” unequivocally solicits the reactions of peers.
In the category of political buzzword, the analogue of “justice” and “freedom” to my mind aptly summarizes a foundational difference in perspective between the American left and right —and implies a foundational difference in ends. Namely, the American left is defined by its commitment to justice for, whereas the American right, to freedom from. Both, I should state, are fundamentally American ideas. The trouble is, in our present political climate, one is understood to impinge on the other, less so on a case-by-case basis, and more so in principle. The tragedy of course is that the more proponents of such uncompromising absolutism proclaim a dichotomous relationship between justice and freedom, the more that relationship becomes actual. Thus, two ideals necessary for the operation of our democracy are rendered partisan shibboleths; political perspectives are rendered uncommon, and anathema to one another, and ultimately ends diverge.
Finally, in the category of commercial action / implement word, the “call to action” epitomizes the conflation of transaction and political expression, in which WRD DSRPTR 2 is principally interested. The play is a double entendre: on its face a call to action suggests a rousing or spurring of an individual to participate in an activity that will further a cause, in this instance “justice” or “freedom;” yet in truth, in the world of WRD DSRPTR a call to action is merely a marketing device, the veritable buy now button. The association of the call to action with “justice” or “freedom” proposes these latter things are more products than causes, or vehicles existing for the purpose of a transaction. The association thus represents the commercialization of our political discourse. My contention is, the more black and white our discourse becomes, the easier it becomes to crassly monetize it within the parameters and conventions of social media. WRD DSRPTR exists not only to show this ease, but to exploit it by identifying expedient ways to profit off of partisanship. If everything you say on social media is an advertisement, then everything you consume is a sale.
And what of our friend the implied protagonist, who is never very clearly one who sells or one who is sold on something within each of the noun phrases? Verily, the ambiguity is the point.
June 21, 2022