In each case where X is commonly said to be about Y, but is really X is more about Z, many are well aware of this but say we are better off pretending X is about Y.  You may be called a cynic to say so, but if honesty is important to you, join me in calling a spade a spade.

Robin Hanson, ‘Politics isn’t about Policy‘, Overcoming Bias, September 21, 2008