Definitions by songpoet

Digital nativism 

Mistaken belief that young folks who were born immersed in things digital are somehow in a state of grace and older folks are cursed by their age and lack of digital conditioning. Arrogant and insulting division of generations into different camps first proposed by Marc Prensky but unfounded on any survey data.

With an insulting tone worthy of the original American nativists who hated immigrants (especially Catholic ones), Marc Prensky speaks of pre-iPod humans (digital immigrants) contemptuously. This is simply digital nativism, a kind of generational prejudice that is ill founded and unsubstantiated.

Digital nativism by Songpoet November 1, 2007

tinkerbell effect 

Wishful thinking that gets in the way of reality and smart decision-making as policy makers who believe something to be true (like the presence of weapons of mass destruction) start acting like they have evidence to prove it true. Closely associated with faith-based decision-making and "in your dreams" thinking.

Even though casualties and the level of violence both escalate in Iraq, members of the Bush Administration keep making optimistic forecasts about freedom and democratic prospects since they are captives of the Tinkerbell Effect. If you believe in fairies, maybe the war in Iraq will turn out well after all!

tinkerbell effect by Songpoet October 14, 2006

Bloggery 

Blather and boring comments that some blogger enters in a blog without much thought, consideration or style. Blah Blah Blah posing as meaningful commentary.

Her newspaper columns are much better than her blog which slips into bloggery of the worst kind.

Bloggery by Songpoet April 30, 2006

cowboy 

To handle a complex problem with a simplistic approach that totally misses the mark but seems brave, strong and courageous. The key player substitutes bravado and bluster for skill, understanding and tact. Boldness trumps intelligence.

You could count on then President Bush to cowboy any serious problem, wrestling it to the ground like a rodeo star, manhandling the most serious challenges of the century as if they were steers in the ring.

cowboy by Songpoet December 28, 2005

Powerpointlessness 

The tedious use of flashy transitions, graphics and sound effects while making a slide presentation that is pretty much lacking in thought, meaning and value.

The corporate team stumbled out of the morning meeting after three hours of suffering through powerpointlessness and dry lectures about strategy.

Powerpointlessness by Songpoet November 21, 2005