Patterns & Metaphors
Breathing
Template:
Air is drawn into the lungs by movement of the diaphragm. This permits oxygen to be transferred into the bloodstream and metabolic waste products to be transferred back into the air ejected from the lungs during the following expiration portion of the respiratory cycle.
Metaphor:
A society is inspired by the circulation of news of collective significance. This has a stimulating and revivifying effect. Such news is vital to the social metabolism. After provoking debate and discussion, such news that is not stored in the collective memory is considered ''stale'' and is rejected in favour of fresh news.
[Features] The body must necessarily draw in new air to replace stale air. It cannot remain locked in one portion of the respiratory cycle for any length of time. The transition from inspiration to expiration is normally very smooth.
[Contrast] There is a tendency to believe that society can function on the basis of the inspiration to be drawn from some single favoured message and that consideration of this message does not lead to the production of stale waste products which need to be ejected. Where the need for fresh news is recognized, the difficulty of producing fresh news of significance has resulted in the progressive banalization of content.
[Keys] Respiratory defects: irregular breathing, shallow breathing, etc. Respiratory diseases. Respiratory consequences of air quality: suffocation, hyperventilation. Forced breathing in times of intense activity. Techniques and consequences of interrupting the respiratory cycle. Artificial aids to respiration. Breathing exercises.<
