Political Theatre category archive
“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Joe Pierre notes that “For politicians–especially those with authoritarian tendencies–conspiracy theories can serve as propaganda that exploits the psychological needs of a voting populace.” He goes on to list six of the ways that conspiracy theories can sway dis coarse discourse:
- To malign opponents
- To sow mistrust in authoritative sources of information
- To deflect blame
- To create “us and them” narratives
- To portray oneself as a victim or an anti-establishment candidate
- To incite or justify violence
Follow the link for a detailed discussion of each of these items and ask yourself if any of them sound something in today’s news.
“The Horsemen of the Rightwing Apocalypse” 0
Emma talks with Rena Steinzor, research professor of law at the University of Maryland, about her recent book American Apocalypse: The Six Far-Right Groups Waging War on Democracy.
The Disinformation Superhighway 0
At Psychology Today blogs, Tahir Rahman takes a deep dive into how “social” media can lead persons to believe stuff that isn’t. A snippet:
Given the flood of falsehoods polluting our polity, I commend his article to your attention.
All the News that Fits 0
Driftglass decodes de code.
All the News that Fits 0
Dick Polman looks at the recent coverage of Donald Trump’s public appearances and asks a (rhetorical) question:
Follow the link for his answer.
Republican Family Values 0
Apparently, suffer the children (and the parents and the grandparents) is a Republican Family Value.
Misdirected Play 0
At The Colorado Sun, Mike Littwin notes that, in their recent interview, Dana Bash asked Kamala Harris about Donald Trump’s racist attacks on her, to which Harris responded, “Same old tired playbook. Next question, please.” .
Littwin goes on to argue that the question was directed to the wrong person:
Follow the link for his reasoning.
Facebook Frolics 0
Farron dissects the doubletalk.
An Infestation of Moles 0
From my old NPR station in Philly:
More at the link.
Aside:
As I mentioned over there ——-> on the sidebar, one must needs vote in the real world for one’s vote to matter.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
At the Portland Press-Herald, Virginia Scholomiti offers a modest proposal so as to elevate the level of dis coarse discourse:
Follow the link for her reasoning.
A Tune for the Times 0
Mangy comments at the Youtube page:
Donald Trump’s recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery was, like most of what Donald does, shameless, tasteless, and possibly illegal. No one would have been much surprised if he’d brought Kid Rock along to play a song or two while Trump danced on some heroes graves, or perhaps Trump might have lain on the lid of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while yelling, “Look at me. I’m a hero too”. (You can be sure if Trump had done this, Jesse Watters of Fox Network would have talked about how it was far, far more offensive to the memory of our soldiers when Kamala wore a pantsuit to the cemetery.)