Many of us bloggers have been trying to explain why people think the way they do….the hatred, the racism, the conspiratorial bull crap…..and in doing so have made a few enemies here and there.
With an general election looming in the shadows as I write it seems the misinformation is ramping up.
A couple of years ago I attempted to try and explain this phenom….it did not go so well…..
How Did Misinformation Become So Believable?
And yet I still struggle with trying to understand and attempt to explain just what the Hell is going on with us.
I mean even some of the ‘well versed’ individuals spout misinformation as fact….and never look beyond what their favorite news source tells them.
But why is it such a big deal….you might ask.
Why do people believe some politicians’ lies even when they have been proven false? And why do so many of the same people peddle conspiracy theories?
Lying and conspiratorial thinking might seem to be two different problems, but they turn out to be related. I study political rhetoric and have tried to understand how populist politicians use language to develop a cult-like following, divide nations, create culture wars and instill hatred. This pattern goes back to antiquity and is seen today in leaders including former President Donald Trump, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. These leaders are capable of using words and speeches to whip people into such an emotional tempest that they will do things like march on the seat of Congress or invade a neighboring country.
What makes this kind of speech worrying is that it is not just emotions like aggression they can manipulate; politicians can also use rhetoric to influence the public’s thoughts and beliefs, and spread lies and conspiracy theories. Those lies and conspiracy theories are stubbornly resistant to countervailing facts and can sow divisions that destabilize their own societies.
My research analyzes real speeches made by politicians past and present, including those of Trump, Orbán and Putin, using cognitive linguistics — a branch of linguistics that examines the relationship between language and the mind. What I have found is that throughout history, speeches by dictators and autocrats have one thing in common: they use dehumanizing metaphors to instill and propagate hatred of others.
Actually this will be very little help if you have a closed, uncomprehending mind….but I try.
Can you explain it?
Be Smart!
Learn Stuff!
I Read, I Write, You Know
“lego ergo scribo”
closed minds belong to the radicals, comprehension belongs to those who are actually interested (which are few indeed) and the ongoing debates and discussions about this subject continue unabated… and are ignored with just as much enthusiasm… static in a storm …
“Stupidity is the deliberate cultivation of ignorance” Need to say no more. chuq
One of the (many) examples of political misinformation is that depicted in candidate election ads in the media. Both parties.. all parties. Pretty much all of them are chock full of misinformation, misdirection, and downright lies. Yet we accept it as normal “campaign rhetoric”. Yet, that kind of crap does indeed convince some to vote one way or the other. Sure, some of that is repetition (Trump’s success). But to watch those ads it makes one wonder if democracy just makes people stupid (beyond just being over fed, over-weight, and diabetic). Then again… stupidity is relative (and I have a LOT of stupid relatives!).
I am voting for stupid. chuq
Maybe we have no choice after all.
Oh we have a choice….it is that there is very little to choose from if you stick to today’s philosophy. chuq
I have a theory that mercury poisoning is the culprit and lead poisoning – all over the world – pills can’t fix it.
I just decided long ago not to completely believe anything. So far, that’s working well for me.
Best wishes, Pete.
I have to do my own research…..then I will take or leave it. chuq