The Bramble Thicket
Uncle Remus stories were very popular when I was a boy. We were taught many a valuable lesson through stories about animals such as Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.
Brer Fox spent his life trying to catch and eat Brer Rabbit, never with success. On one occasion he managed to seize Brer Rabbit who then pleaded with Brer Fox, “You can fry me, boil me or hang me on high, but please, please, don’t throw me into that brier patch over there!”
Of course the fox, gloating in his power of life and death, did what the rabbit begged him not to do. Soon, Brer Rabbit found himself safe amidst the impenetrable tangle of thorns and brambles.
Do you recognize bramble-thicket language when you encounter it? It’s not always your friend. Bramble-thicket language is much favoured by tricksters and con-artists of all sorts, including the drafters of “fine print”.
It is calculated to disguise and obfuscate its real meaning. It’s meant for their benefit, not yours.
Be on the lookout– this week, see if you can identify two or three examples!
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