Extreme metaphor

When metaphor is augmented with extreme ideas, including suggestions of violence, propagandists exploit the boundaries of free expression. Metaphor can be used in the extreme when tolerance for free expression allows artistic criticism by satire. Extreme metaphor is sometimes used to incite a reaction by authorities in power against unwitting sympathizers. Extreme metaphor can become a thinly veiled cover for outright incitement of violence.

Examples:

• Television-based religous propagandist Pat Robertson's remarks in June and October 2003 interviews with author Joel Mowbray encouraging a nuclear attack against the U.S. Department of State. Robertson's role as a supporter of Pres. George W. Bush has been to coalesce the religuous-right and defining expand the center of right-wing ideology, especially including attitudes toward religuously motivated warfare.