The politics of ridicule - Business Standard
· World · Business Standard
Political actors increasingly employ ridicule as a deliberate tool to undermine opponents and reshape public perception. This strategy moves beyond traditional debate by targeting the character or perceived absurdity of a rival rather than their policy positions. By framing opponents as figures of mockery, political groups aim to diminish their influence and rally their own base through shared derision. The approach often simplifies complex issues into digestible, often humorous, narratives that spread rapidly across digital platforms. This tactic remains a recurring feature in modern political campaigns, where the goal is to delegitimize the opposition rather than engage in substantive policy discourse.
Why it matters
The normalization of ridicule in politics risks eroding the quality of public debate and deepening social polarization, making consensus-building increasingly difficult for elected officials and the public.
Read the original report — Business Standard
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.