Homework: Demagoguery

Amy Layug

RWS 411

October 9, 2017

Homework: Demagoguery

The excerpts written Patricia Roberts-Miller, they define Demagoguery as the polarization of propaganda that motivates members of an in-group to hate and scapegoat certain out-group(s) in order to fulfill certainty, stability, and escape from freedom. Patricia Roberts-Miller lists in “Characteristics of Demagoguery,” a variety of strategies to identify levels of demagoguery. One of the most interesting claims she makes is when she describes the reasons why people are drawn to demagogues. The idea that demagoguery is able to provide a sense of certainty to people is what gains attraction. People like to know what is going to happen and where they are going to end up before getting there. Roberts-Miller brings up the notion that we feel unpleasant when faced with making mistakes or bad judgment. What demagogues offer is a sense of belonging and answer to all of peoples’ problems or errors they may face. The strategies used to gain followers seem dishonest because it capitalizes on peoples’ vulnerabilities. Some examples of demagoguery brought up by both authors are revealed in characters such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph McCarthy, Charles Coughlin, and more.

In today’s society people may connect demagoguery to people like Donald Trump, alt-right groups, or other religious cults. As I read both excerpts I immediately had thought of radical groups such as the Alt-Right, Alt-Left, Black Lives Matter Movements, and Donald Trump. The fact that this idea is still presented in society today is disappointing to see. These parties seem to spread negativity and instead of trying to practically handle situations, they tend to radicalize their social gatherings. Patricia’s strategies in identifying demagoguery are clearly sighted in situations that have been happening recently in society. In an article written by the New York Times, titled “White Nationalist Reappear in Charlottesville in Torch-Lit Protest,” Matt Stevens covers the chants asserted by white supremacists. Followers of the in-group constantly chanted, “You will not replace us!” while holding up lit torches. These gatherings lasted about 10 minutes and had a following of 40 to 50 people. This article had brought twitter feeds that exemplified reactions from both parties firing back at each other about the protest. A man in favor of the alt-right movement posted on twitter “Charlottesville 3.0 was a success.”

In the article Characteristics of Demagoguery, Roberts-Miller suggests that in identifying a demagoguery, these in-groups tend to utilize “god and devil terms.” In order to defy negative connotation with what their protests are about, they inflict positivity in their wrongdoings by describing their acts as “peaceful.” Richard Spencer an advocating protestor of the alt-right group expressed “We came in peace tonight. It was a great success, and we’re going to do it again.” It is mentioned in the article that Charlottesville signifies great achievement for the alt-right group, even though considering that a 32-year-old woman had died because of one of their members. They relate Charlottesville as a popular place for white supremacists and other racist positions to gather. The demagoguery displayed among this group is prevalent and the excerpts help us to better analyze strategies they utilize in order to manipulate and gain a following.

 

Stevens, M. (2017, October 08). White Nationalists Reappear in Charlottesville in Torch-Lit Protest. Retrieved October 9, 2017, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/08/us/richard-spencer-charlottesville.html

 

Trish, A. (2017, February 12). Rhetoric and Demagoguery (Denver talk). Retrieved October 9, 2017, from http://www.patriciarobertsmiller.com/rhetoric-and-demagoguery-denver-talk/