What does mairs mean in suggesting a gap between word and reality?
Mairs suggests that there is a gap between word and reality because language can be used to represent the world, but it can also be used to distort or obscure it. Words can be used to convey meaning, but they can also be used to deceive or manipulate. The gap between word and reality can be seen in many different contexts, such as in the way that politicians use language to shape public opinion, or in the way that advertisers use language to sell products. Mairs argues that we need to be aware of the gap between word and reality in order to avoid being misled by language and to use it effectively to communicate our ideas.