Dangerously serious

One set of candidates is using dangerous propaganda techniques to promote a world in which the strong dominate the weak. The other is building on facts. I know which world I want to live in.

It’s often hard to know how - or whether - to respond - to the outlandish claims and positions of the Republican party’s candidates for the two highest offices in the land.

Are they serious? we wonder.

And the answer is, yes, they are, dangerously serious.

Lessons from studying propaganda and the rise of authoritarians show us the serious intentions behind the word salads and ridiculous statements. They are intended to spark outrage, on one side, and on the other, cynicism or despair.

Look at the analyses of responses to the recent lies about immigrants in Ohio. White supremacist groups celebrated these lies coming from the major party candidates not because of some warped sense of “truth,” but because the candidates are speaking their language. They could not have asked for more powerful mouthpieces. Repeated often enough, even as “jokes,” such lies begin to undermine the humanity of those targeted by them. And once enough people participate in the dehumanization - not a majority, but enough for a tipping point - authoritarian takeovers become more plausible.

Same with recent statements about women and Jewish people. Women are to be protected; the Jewish community is to be blamed if the candidate does not win. We can see these statement as ridiculous, impossible to take seriously. But they are crafted to contribute to the perception of groups as less than fully human.

Whatever policy differences we might have with the Democratic candidates, they pale in comparison to the world-view differences. One set of candidates is using dangerous propaganda techniques to promote a world in which the strong dominate the weak. The other is building on facts - a strongly growing economy, low unemployment, wage growth beyond inflation - and a commitment to inclusion for all.

I know which world-view I want to empower. Make your voting plan now and help everyone you know make theirs. The majority of our neighbors, friends, and communities want to be included and have the opportunity to thrive without demonizing anyone. Let’s help them make their voices heard in 36 days.

Thank you for your company on this path.