3 ms·
The water cup example isn't symbolic, it is prototypical. That is to say, it is meant to be a representative example of the a metaphorical paper cut. People in
by gizmo686 5y ago
The water cup example isn't symbolic, it is prototypical. That is to say, it is meant to be a representative example of the a metaphorical paper cut.
People in this thread are latching on to it for the same reason the author used it; it is not clear how else to talk about the larger issue.
Different interepratations of the prototypical example leads to different interperatations of the larger issue.
If you must use examples to communicate your point, the normal solution to this is to use many different examples.
- trgn 5y agoWe were replying at the same time and crossposted. You said it better. As a reader, I would have loved to have more examples.
- igetspam 5y agoAgreed but the point is made more than once and in plain terms that the glass was not the problem it was an indication of a behavioral issue that went unrecognized until it was too late for self reflection to make a difference. It's not a great article in the surface but the message has merit.
- elliekelly 5y ago> The water cup example isn't symbolic, it is prototypical. Thank you! I knew there had to be a better word to describe it but all I could think of was "exemplary" and that didn't feel quite right.