Name calling is a phenomenon studied by many disciplines from anthropology to child psychology, to politics. Wikipedia said that it is also studied by rhetoricians, and a variety of other disciplines that study propaganda techniques and their causes and effects. The technique is most frequently employed within political discourse.
The truth of the matter is that name calling is a cognitive bias and a technique to promote propaganda.
According to Wikipedia:Propagandists use the name-calling technique to incite fears or arouse positive prejudices with the intent that invoked fear (based on fear mongering tactics) or trust will encourage those that read, see or hear propaganda to construct a negative opinion, in respect to the former, or a positive opinion, with respect to the latter, about a person, group, or set of beliefs or ideas that the propagandist would wish the recipients to believe.
The method is intended to provoke conclusions and actions about a matter apart from an impartial examinations of the facts of the matter. When this tactic is used instead of an argument, name-calling is thus a substitute for rational, fact-based arguments against an idea or belief, based upon its own merits, and becomes an argumentum ad hominem.
It is clear that in our political landscape, name calling occurs far too often. It is another of the seven main techniques designated by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis which include:
1. Name-calling
2. Glittering generalities
3. Transfer
4. Testimonial
5. Plain folks
6. Card stacking
7. Bandwagon
It is the use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy. The propaganda attempts to arouse prejudice among the public by labeling the target something that the public dislikes.
Often, name calling is employed using sarcasm and ridicule, and shows up often in political cartoons or writings.
It is depressing to see how attacks begin by parsing complex issues such as racist slants and then the debates quickly descend into school-yard taunts. Disagreement has become like a battle where they fight with words to the finishing line. In the process, it's easy to put horns on the enemy's head and to exact retribution whenever possible.
I feel very saddened when I see elected leaders labelling others via name-calling to advance their own agenda. Once again, I wonder if our country has progressed and the impact of such childish behavior on the younger set.
Name calling seems to have become a serious art form in the political arena but for sure, it isn't productive at all because such acts impair the ability of citizens to engage in a rational dialogue. When we look at it up, close and personal, any sane person can see that name calling offends gratuitously.
I firmly believe that public officials must not indulge in this habit. The MSM should not capitalize on such behavior nor should they accent on such name calling incidents by converting these into catchy headline all for the sake of readership.
Name calling lowers one's vocabulary and demeans politics. Unfortunately, some love to demonize their opponents instead of serving the electorate.
The time has come for our politicians to show class, intellect and a real ability to debate and argue based on facts without using the race card of partaking in the name calling game.
But then again, some of them may not be able to do that so is it any wonder then that they resort to playing the name calling game?
Anonymous Perhaps Teo Nie Ching might even be naive but she is definitely being bullied by the overflowing supremacist arrogance of Bumno involved - in seizing every opportunity to make a mountain out of a mole hill for persecution purpose.
~wits0~