I Have Nothing but Red Herring to Hide
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<p><em>This post was last edited <strong>2M-BM- months, 4M-BM- weeks ago</strong>.</em></p> <p><img src="https://bear-images.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/theprivacydad/smokedbyewedotcom.webp" alt="smokedbyewedotcom" /><br /> <em>Image source: <a href='https://smokedbyewe.com/wp-content/uploads/what-do-you-call-cured-herring.webp' target='_blank'>smokedbyewe.com</a></em></p> <p>The term <em>red herring</em> is a figure of speech that we use to refer to an argument or plot device that creates a distraction from the real issue.</p> <p>Herrings aren't naturally red, but when are cured or smoked for consumption, they can take on a reddish colour. Smoked or cured herring is also very pungent, and this is allegedly the reason why we use the term today. An early 19th Century English political journalist referred to incorrect news reporting being like a red herring drawn across the escape route of a hare, in order to throw the hunting dogs off the trail.<sup class="footnote-ref" id="fnref-1"><a href="#fn-1">1</a></sup></p> <p>As a plot device, red herrings are common in stories and films. For example, in the original Star Wars trilogy, we are led to believe that there is potential for romance between Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, but that is a total red herring, as we find out later on.</p> <p>In arguments, the term re