The words you type into a search engine determine what you will find. It’s worth it to think carefully about which terms you choose, and why – and to try different terms if you’re not finding what you want.
Search engines take your words literally, and will look for them in documents. If you use movement language, you are likely to find movement information sources. If you put your research question in mainstream language, you are more likely to find academic, government and industry sources.
Sometimes your opposition will use their own terms. For example: a news article may talk about the police, but the police describe themselves as peace officers.
You can use the different kinds of language strategically. Here is an overview of the types of information you can find and how you can use it in your campaign.
| Movement Terms | Mainstream Terms |
|---|---|
| Examples: cops, action, environmental justice, gentrification, prison industrial complex, welfare deform... | Examples: police, demonstration, conservation, revitalization, criminal justice system, welfare reform... |
| What you'll find: * movement analysis and political context * potential allies * critical information | What you'll find: * academic reports and studies * reports from liberal think tanks * data from government agencies * opposition's analysis of issue |
| Potential Uses: * To sharpen your understanding of an issue * To identify new allies * To learn about similar struggles in other communities | Potential Uses: * To find statistics and analysis that add credibility to your campaign * To mobilize a broader base * To understand your opposition's rhetoric and have an effective response |