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Demonization and Demoralization
Oct. 2nd, 2004 08:47 amThis is a Disinfopedia.org piece, largely quoting Paul Krugman, about the process of 'demonizing the opponent' in politics.
Excerpt:
"As a result, many people in the center become turned off by it all and no longer bother to vote. Political dialogue becomes a series of epithets and bombast hurled at opponents over the airwaves in attack ads or on talk shows. It even becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Since centrist voters find little to like in either party, they quit voting. That just prompts both parties to try even harder to mobilize base voters to win increasingly low-turnout elections. Fewer centrist politicians run for office or work in politics. Instead, the humorless zealots and true believers rise to the top."
Gee, now why does that sound vaguely familar?
I continue to be tired of anger and helplessness. I must do SOMEthing--and I don't want it to just be throwing money at the issue. But what?
Excerpt:
"As a result, many people in the center become turned off by it all and no longer bother to vote. Political dialogue becomes a series of epithets and bombast hurled at opponents over the airwaves in attack ads or on talk shows. It even becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Since centrist voters find little to like in either party, they quit voting. That just prompts both parties to try even harder to mobilize base voters to win increasingly low-turnout elections. Fewer centrist politicians run for office or work in politics. Instead, the humorless zealots and true believers rise to the top."
Gee, now why does that sound vaguely familar?
I continue to be tired of anger and helplessness. I must do SOMEthing--and I don't want it to just be throwing money at the issue. But what?
