We know
that the way language is used to frame and discuss an issue can color the way
people think about that issue. Some thoughts to ponder:
Silica? or Frac Sand?
I use the terms frac sand, or fracking sand -- NOT
silica sand. The fact that frack sounds like an F-bomb is a
gift to our movement and we should embrace it and use as much as possible, in my
view. (Sure, the sand is used for things other than fracking, but it's fracking
that caused the industry to invade our homeland - not glass-making. So we have
every reason to say frac sand.)
Industry graphic presentation on silica, in case you're interested.
Note how industry, in this graphic, refers to it as silica -- The
term frac sand is not mentioned. (And they use the
term fracking only about 3 times total.) This is not by
accident.
Natural Gas? or Fracking
Gas?
Likewise, I use the term fracking gas rather than the industry
term natural gas. The word natural market-tests extremely well
with focus groups. (Check out how many products in the grocery store are labeled
"natural." It's not by mistake.)
We shouldn't help industry fool the public by calling it natural gas
-- there's nothing natural about it. We should clearly imply between fracking
(which has a largely negative connotation) and this gas (mostly methane) by
calling it fracking gas.
Takes awhile to get used to saying fracking gas, but confusion on the part
of your listener can often give you an opening to explain why you use
that term!
I'd be interested in any thoughts on this.
Jim
P.S. Thanks to Maura Stephens for introducing me to the use of "fracking
gas."
Jim Gurley
Winona Area Citizens Concerned About Silica Mining
(CASM)
507-523-3113
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