Don’t Buy It by Anat Shenker-Osorio Summary

Don't Buy It critiques flawed economic discourse that frames the economy as an uncontrollable force or living entity, exposing how such metaphors perpetuate conservative policies. Anat Shenker-Osorio argues for progressive messaging reframing, advocating terms like “inequality as a barrier” instead of “gaps” to shift blame from individuals to systemic inequities. The book provides actionable strategies to reshape public perception of fiscal policies.

Progressives, policymakers, and activists seeking to counter conservative economic narratives will benefit from this book. It’s also valuable for communications professionals interested in metaphor-driven messaging and readers analyzing how language shapes policy debates. Shenker-Osorio’s insights are particularly relevant for those advocating wage reform, corporate accountability, or equitable economic systems.

Yes—the book offers a compelling blend of linguistic analysis and political strategy, equipping readers to dismantle harmful economic myths. Its critique of terms like “economic health” and practical frameworks for progressive messaging make it a resource for impactful advocacy. Critics note occasional repetitiveness but praise its actionable takeaways.

Shenker-Osorio challenges metaphors like “the economy as a living being” or “market forces,” which imply inevitability. She proposes alternatives:

• Inequality as a barrier (not a “gap”), emphasizing systemic exclusion.
• Economy as a garden, requiring active cultivation via policy.

These reframes redirect focus to human agency and structural change.

The book argues against framing inequality as a natural “gap,” which obscures systemic causes. Shenker-Osorio redefines it as a man-made barrier—highlighting how policies and power imbalances restrict access to opportunity. This shift urges solutions like taxing wealth hoarding and strengthening labor rights.

She identifies conservative messaging flaws:

• Personifying the economy as a fragile entity needing appeasement.
• Fatalistic terms like “market forces” that discourage intervention.

These frames, she argues, normalize austerity and corporate favoritism while sidelining equity.

• "The economy isn’t a creature—it’s a collection of choices."
• "Inequality isn’t a gap; it’s a wall someone built."

These lines encapsulate the book’s call to replace passive metaphors with language emphasizing human agency and accountability.

Some reviewers note the book’s repetitive emphasis on metaphor analysis over broader policy solutions. Others argue its progressive lens may overlook bipartisan common ground. However, its messaging strategies are widely praised for empirical rigor and real-world applicability.

The book’s focus on narrative control aligns with current debates about AI-driven disinformation, gig economy exploitation, and wealth inequality. Its tools for reframing “economic necessity” arguments are critical for addressing climate policy and corporate tax evasion.

Anat Shenker-Osorio is a political strategist, founder of ASO Communications, and host of the Words to Win By podcast. With a master’s in public policy from UC Berkeley, she advises progressive groups on messaging for economic justice, racial equity, and climate action.

The book teaches how to:

• Replace fatalistic terms with proactive language.
• Expose coded phrases like “fiscal responsibility” as austerity dog whistles.
• Center systemic culprits (e.g., corporations) over individual blame.

These tactics empower advocates to steer conversations toward structural solutions.

For readers interested in narrative strategy, consider:

• George Lakoff’s Don’t Think of an Elephant (framing in politics).
• Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine (economic crisis exploitation).
• Robert Reich’s Saving Capitalism (reforming economic systems).