Writing an article “There is a taboo on saying X” is a win/win strategy.
If there is indeed a taboo, you are right and most likely everyone will see that from the response your article gets.
But if there is no taboo, you still win because people who like to think of themselves as beleaguered underdogs fighting for truth will lap up what you say.
In reality I think neither is win/win. If you write an article saying “There is no taboo” and there is a taboo then (1) your article itself may fall foul of the taboo and (2) anyone with enough nous to discern the taboo will see that you’re wrong, which will harm your reputation. If you write an article saying “There is a taboo” and there is a taboo then your article itself will probably fall foul of the taboo. If you write an article saying “There is a taboo” and there is no taboo then again the smartest best-informed people will see you’re wrong and think less of you.
Writing an article “There is a taboo on saying X” is a win/win strategy.
If there is indeed a taboo, you are right and most likely everyone will see that from the response your article gets.
But if there is no taboo, you still win because people who like to think of themselves as beleaguered underdogs fighting for truth will lap up what you say.
In reality I think neither is win/win. If you write an article saying “There is no taboo” and there is a taboo then (1) your article itself may fall foul of the taboo and (2) anyone with enough nous to discern the taboo will see that you’re wrong, which will harm your reputation. If you write an article saying “There is a taboo” and there is a taboo then your article itself will probably fall foul of the taboo. If you write an article saying “There is a taboo” and there is no taboo then again the smartest best-informed people will see you’re wrong and think less of you.