Manipulative aphorisms used by the media in politics
To our chagrin, the world, and most especially in the United States, a perverse and highly manipulative nomenclature, based on a series of misleading aphorisms, has been coined and used for some time by the media. It is something that not only confuses and distorts, but also misinforms and deceives. In fact, it is a clever form of psychological manipulation to influence socially, with the aim of changing and promoting the interests of the manipulator and his associates; most of the time, against the interests and well-being of the people. It is commonly thought to include an element of moral disapproval and even ridicule. Some of these damaging aphorisms should be taken in general, with a “grain of salt” wherever, however, or whenever they are found:
1. Populist politician: It is mentioned with some disdain and sarcasm, to describe a politician who is interested or associated, mostly with those causes that defend the rights and interests of the people, even against those of big capital, big business.
2. Liberal politician: It is mentioned with a certain disdain and sarcasm, to describe a politician who proposes, supports or promotes social, economic and political reforms, sometimes contrary to the establishment and big economic interests.
3. Socialist politician: It is mentioned contemptuously and with disdain, to qualify a politician whose main philosophy is economic, social and political justice for all of society, especially for the least favored, disadvantaged and poorest in the country. He is often portrayed as having communist leanings.
4. Progressive politician: Mentioned with some disdain and sarcasm, to describe a politician who claims or supports certain causes or agendas, not necessarily accepted by mainstream or traditional institutions, religious groups, or conventional social philosophies.
5. Conservative politician: It is mentioned with a certain tone of approval to describe a politician who claims or supports those causes or agendas defended by large capital, large interests or businesses, traditional values, certain religious groups, or philosophies such as those of the “Association National Rifle”; “Right Mackinlerism”, “White Supremacist Groups” and opposes government spending on social programs like welfare, food stamps, universal health insurance, etc.
6. Politician of the Left: It is mentioned with a certain disdain and derogatory tone, to describe a politician who pretends or supports those agendas opposed to the dominant political thought and is associated as a “progressive”, “socialist” or “liberal” politician. Right-wing politician, are those contrary to the ideology of the left.
7. “Trumpist politician”: This is one of those aphorisms coined more recently and used lately more and more by the Media, to describe the very unusual type of Philosophy and policy promulgated by Donald Trump, current President of the United States. It tends to describe something that is uncertain, far-fetched, illogical, regressive, and unfounded. There are few politicians who embrace this philosophy, but they are mostly found in the Deep South states.
These are the main or most used aphorisms used today by the North American news media in their daily exercise in the written press, television and the Internet. They have a profound impact on perceptions among readers and the corresponding effect vis-à-vis politicians, their parties and programs. In many ways, they have contributed and continue to contribute greatly to the outcome of the election results. They basically show two types of users: those belonging to special groups or control of Interests and mostly to a group of ill-informed, uneducated scholars, lacking training in historical, political and social sciences.
Just take these observations with a grain of salt, when you’re ready to go one way or the other in terms of political news analysis and commentary. Do not take everything for granted, exercise prudence and good judgment. This will allow you to make GOOD political decisions.