We spend a lot of time documenting and mocking the latest lies from Carlie, the Donald, and the rest of the goper pack; as if this is going to make a difference to anyone but us.
Let me offer an alternative explanation of what they are up to, and why it matters.
The tall tale is a fundamental element of American folk literature. The tall tale's origins are seen in the bragging contests that often occurred when the rough men of the American frontier gathered. The tales of legendary figures of the Old West, some listed below, owe much to the style of tall tales.
The semi-annual speech contests held by Toastmasters International public speaking clubs may include a Tall Tales contest. Each and every participating speaker is given three to five minutes to give a short speech of a tall tale nature, and is then judged according to several factors. The winner and runner-up proceed to the next level of competition. [emphasis mine]
wikipedia - Tall Tale
We could also talk about (creation) myths, (moral) fables, (scary) fairy tales, super-hero comic books, professional wrestling, and other forms of storytelling, but the general drift is the same:
the author is telling a story to an audience, expecting to be judged by how good the story is according to the storytelling standards of that audience. Truth (conforms to reality) has little or nothing to do with the value of the story.
So, the next time we analyze what a goper candidate has said or done, think about it in terms of:
The Donald - super dealmaker man
Casrson - daddy the soothing bedtime storyteller
Rubio - David the Giantslayer
Cruz - the Crusader
Carlie - the Dominatrix
In my view they expect to be judged by how well their latest action advances the story they are telling in the eyes of their audience.
Maybe we can help?
