4.14.2005
You're Being Schooled
Wind swell and steep north ground swell have been daily fare for the past few days. This means the waves at the top of the point have been fair - and fat, while further down the point, the size and frequency of waves drops. Saturday was fun on the incoming tide at second bowl, with some waves walling up through third bowl. During the week, the wind swell has produced mostly gutless second bowl peaks. At least I got wet. The daily dose of wind has enhanced the upwelling in the bay and the water is coooold. Quite a contrast to baking on the beach. The crew claim there have been some fun LB days at sharks - and charlie told me he got a few fun lefts. Looks like more of the same in the near future. I read this article that describes how media labels end up regurgitating government propaganda - and the media don't even realize they're doing it. As part of the research for the article, the author used google to show that the label "controversial" attached to his name got 58 hits while the label "patriotic" got zero. The author feels his work is patriotic, but apparently the media, of which he is a member, do not. Another example illustrates how Islamic leaders are labeled "clerics", while Jerry Farwell and the like are "ministers" - both religious leaders, but "cleric" implies "foreign and radical" to the masses. How about "antiwar firebrand" Howard Dean - did you hear anything about "pro-war crusader" GW? The author states "Loaded labels are commonly used to influence the public's feelings about groups of people as well as individuals". Repetition is key. Just listen to the labels being used to marginalize those opposed to the social security scam, the nuclear option, or the opinion of ward churchill. Insurgents or freedom fighters? We're being schooled. I guess I'm guilty too. The label "mayor" suggests leadership, consensus, and looking out for the community - "shoulder-hopper" implies wave hog, selfishness, and general kookdom. Have I swayed the masses into thinking the cave dweller is more? Maybe not - I heard the label used by a longtime point resident who I trust to know what's right with what's wrong. The cave dweller has earned it. Keep working on your sun tan - adios.