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Week Five

“Metaphoric Power”

Language is one of the most powerful tools for shaping reality. This week, we explore power in a metaphorical and poetic sense, analyzing how metaphors influence our thinking, perceptions, and actions. From political discourse to everyday language, metaphors frame how we understand complex issues, reinforce ideologies, and shape social realities. How do dominant metaphors maintain existing power structures? How can alternative metaphors disrupt, reframe, or offer new ways of seeing the world?

In Class Activities

Small Group Review
Brainstorm: What metaphors shape the way we think about major societal concepts (e.g., time, love, justice, success)?

Pre-Work Discussion

How do conceptual metaphors (e.g., “The economy is a machine”) shape policy, behavior, and public perception
What metaphors exist in design discourse (e.g., “user journey,” “design thinking”)?
How does metaphor function as both a tool for power and a tool for resistance?

Activity: Deconstructing Metaphor (↗ link to Google Slides)
• XX

Before Next Class

Pre-Work: XX Power (↗ link to Google Drive)
• Read/Watch/Skim for 1-2 hours
• Come prepared to discuss one key takeaway and 2–3 questions you’d like to explore

Medium Post: Deconstructing Metaphor
• See description below

Deconstructing Metaphor

Metaphors shape how we understand the world. They are embedded in politics, media, and everyday language, often reinforcing dominant power structures. This workshop challenges you to identify, analyze, and reframe metaphors to explore how language influences perception, policy, and social action. By breaking down dominant metaphors and creating new ones, you will consider how design and communication can reshape narratives and expand possibilities for change.

Step 1: Identify Dominant Metaphors (Group)
We will start by analyzing the metaphors that shape political and social discourse.

Each group will draw a topic from a hat
As a team, research how this topic is framed in news articles, political speeches, and social media
Identify the dominant metaphors used
Discuss:What do these metaphors emphasize?
What do they obscure?
Who benefits from these framings?
Create a visual chart mapping out the dominant metaphors and their implications.

Step 2: Reframe the Narrative (Individual Reflection)
Now, you will challenge and reframe these dominant metaphors.

Choose one metaphor from your group discussion and develop an alternative metaphor that shifts the meaning in a more generative, constructive, or nuanced direction.
Example: Instead of “climate change is a war”, it could be reframed as “climate change is a garden that needs tending.”
Develop a visual and written response:Design an image representing your re-framed metaphor.
Write a short reflection explaining your choice—how does this new metaphor reshape perception and action?
Propose a communication strategy that applies your metaphor (e.g., a campaign, policy shift, speculative design intervention).

This should take the form of a short visual essay; 1-3 paragraphs and 5-7 captioned images.

Final Steps:
Upload your Medium post and add your link to the class spreadsheet by Friday at Midnight EST for A4 or Sunday at Midnight EST for B4.