1. Robert-Miller’s framework for analyzing demagogic discourse is an interesting form of rhetoric. I find the underlying qualities and repetitive patterns that are identified within this rhetoric to be most relevant. She claims that the qualities and stereotypes associated include polarization, demonization, victimization, scapegoating, etc., The first thing we think of is usually politics, specifically the WW2 era with Adolf Hitler. At a more local level, we see this rhetoric during competitions, public speaking, and trials in the legal system.
2. Reading Govern George Wallace’s inauguration speech through the lens of Robert-Miller, many parallels are eluded. Polarization is a significant feature present in the rhetoric of demagoguery. Robert-Miller claims “to polarize is to divide a diverse range of things into two poles” (2). This is shown in Wallace’s speech as he says, “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” which is completely polarized on two opposite ends. The people he’s prohibiting are those of color, of those are for integration. Another thing that Wallace’s quote aligns with Robert-Miller’s demagoguery qualities, is slipperiness of crucial terms; god and devil terms. Wallace views segregation as a god term and integration/desegregation as a devil term.
3. I believe we have recently seen such an increase in the kind of rhetoric Robert-Miller because our nation has become politically divided. Both sides of politics heavily rely on this rhetoric because essentially, it’s persuasive to those who don’t do research and those who easily believe everything a politician says. At a more local level, we also do this within our homes and lives as individuals. As human beings, I believe it’s in our nature to easily blame someone especially if you’re desperately trying to get someone to join your side. I’m in SDSU Mock Trial, and when we compete, we honestly use all Robert-Miller’s tactics to get the judge to see our side and prove why the other side is wrong. Along with this, I watch the show Survivor a lot, and when they form alliances to vote people off, they use demagoguery rhetoric to convince swing votes on why their side is good and why the other side is evil. This is a strategic rhetoric especially if the person you’re swinging is not that bright or lacks awareness.
Hey Asia!
I agree that Adolf HItler during WWII is a prime example of demagoguery, but for clarity, can you identify what characteristics make it so? I’m also curious as to which characteristics of demagoguery you think are most prominent in the local level examples you mentioned.
I thought it was great you pointed out that segregation was a god term to Wallace and his audience of conservatives in Alabama whereas integration and desegregation were devil terms, because it’s vice-versa nowadays.
I believe that everyone should be aware of Roberts-Miller’s framework of demagoguery because we’re communicating now more than ever through social media, which provides a platform for demagogic discourse if we aren’t careful. Great post!
LikeLike
Hi Asia,
It’s interesting you bring up Mock Trial to use demagogic rhetoric. I am a little concerned with some of these strategies being used in court: like anti-intellectualism, disregard for facts, and heavy reliance on fallacious arguments. However, some of the rhetoric strategies are powerful when convincing a jury of people of someone’s innocence. The demagogues rely heavily on an appeal to emotion because it’s such a powerful way to convince people to do something. People are more likely to act on their emotional connection than on their logical analysis of a situation. In fact, those who rely solely on logical analysis are often prescribed a label of being sociopathic or psychopathic.
LikeLike