Be the wind: speak truth to power
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Editor,
What is a demagogue?
In a recent conversation the term “demagogue” came up as the other speaker was describing a person with whom he disagreed. Somehow, that just didn’t seem to fit – so I looked up the definition. Wikipedia says this: A demagogue is a power-seeking individual who uses a number of the following techniques:
* Scapegoating
* Fear Mongering
* Lying
* Emotional oratory and personal charisma
* Accusing opponents of weakness and disloyalty
* Promising the impossible
* Violence and intimidation
* Personal insults and ridicule
* Vulgarity and outrageous behavior
* Folksy posturing
* Gross oversimplification
* Attacking the news media
It seems that humans are easily positively swayed by oratory and promises … such as “I’ll love you forever and I will swim every river and bring you (the moon or riches or security) … if you will just do XYZ for me.”
It’s also clear that people can be greatly negatively influenced (intimidated) by insults, ridicule, demonization, and threats of violence. These de-humanizing techniques tend to silence both the target person and also other observers who don’t want the same treatment. Silencing all is the goal.
So, demagoguery seems to work. How unfortunate … or is it? Demagoguery is bad because it limits the wider, more-complete knowledge (closer-to-the-truths); it promotes emotional fetishes and overpowers rational thinking; and it silences the values and lives of those who become intimidated.
Can demagoguery also have a silver lining? Yes … because it explicitly exposes the underbelly of the intentions of the demagogue. Each lie is a crack in reality. This can give opportunities for others to aggressively expose each lie and intimidation. It requires having a commitment to knowledge to be better informed ... and the courage to speak truth-to-power.
Storm clouds eventually move away and are replaced by sunlight and fresh air … but only if the wind blows. Be the wind.
Gene Johnson
Polson
