Beware of the good father!

Omschrijving

Article for the Belgian (Flemish) newspaper De Standaard. In a state of the union speech, the conservative Flemish government promised to act 'like a good father'. Metaphors are strong tools, they make its users live up to them. Apart from the blatant patriarchal ring to the expression, it is worthwhile to notice that the a good father is never aroused for announcing investments for care workers or general well-being. The good father metaphor only serves the one talking in believing things will be cozy, family-like after all. But his audience  knows they are in for some more chilling cutbacks.