User:Robert McClenon/Weaponization
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: When someone uses "weaponization" as a metaphor, they are trying to distract or cause panic |
Some expressions are commonly used as metaphors. Some expressions are often used as bad metaphors. When an argument uses a bad metaphor, it is likely to be a faulty argument.
Sometimes a reference to weaponization is not a metaphor. If someone mentions weaponization of the South Atlantic, it probably is not a metaphor. The Falkland Islands War was fought in the South Atlantic and involved real warships, and Argentines and British were killed. If someone expresses a concern about weaponization of the Rio Grande, they may be talking about American and Mexican law enforcement officers who carry pistols.
When there is mention of weaponizing a Wikipedia debate, the metaphor is probably exaggerated or nonsensical and may be intended to cause fear or panic. When there is mention of weaponizing a deletion discussion, it is a good idea to remember that the issue is the deletion of Wikipedia pages, not of humans or even other living creatures. People with weapons kill people. No one is killed in Wikipedia.