The Downshifting Dilemma A Commentary and Proposal Robert Sylwester, Ph.D. 1998 Robert Sylwester. Used with permission.
Metaphors are useful since they connect complex concepts to understandable objects and events.
Metaphoric distortion is acceptable as long as the metaphor adequately communicates the essence of the concept and users understand the nature of the distortion. I believe that downshifting is an example of a widely used metaphor that has outlived its usefulness because it doesn't adequately communicate current understandings of how our response systems function, especially those that lead to aggressive outbursts. What follows, therefore, is a critique of the metaphor and a suggested alternative. The Downshifting Metaphor Downshifting is a mixed metaphor that emerged out of Paul MacLean's triune brain model and a car's gear mechanism. It implies a three-shift automobile drive system.