Rudness

The Psychology Rudeness and Political Warfare A famous philosopher once said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain another thought without accepting it.” That famous philosopher was none other than Aristotle. As one looks upon the political landscape which is currently upon us in the United States, one cannot help but notice the brutal and savage rhetoric which is eschewed daily by politicians, network news, and in the blogosphere by extreme pundits who lean either left or right. The rudeness and rhetorical attacks on one another has left casualties in its wake; notably the American public who must endure and witness such savagery. It has now become the new psychological normal in the context of political warfare and gamesmanship. In this context, this essay will seek to explore the reasons and current/future ramifications on the psychology of rudeness and political warfare. One of the most basic and fundamental questions that one must ask themselves and one another every political season (which seems to be all the time with the exception for the day after the general election) is why do our political leaders or people who are running for elected office try so hard to assassinate the character of their opponent? Well the answer is a simple one. It is effective. According to Jack Cafferty of CNN, “Even though voters say they don’t like negative campaigning, the ads are effective. Experts say negative ads tap into emotions like anxiety, fear and disgust that can push a voter away from a candidate.” (Evans) An interview with political consultant Levi Reed, who has worked for Governor Rick Scott of Florida, Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, and numerous other political campaigns stated the following, “The American public has to be treated as ignorant. We must define our guy before the other guy defines him. At the same time, we must also define their guy in a negative light which again gives us favor to the voting electorate. Most

Bibliography: Cohen, Jon and Gary Langer. Poll Rudeness In America, 2006. 03 Feb 2006. 08 04 2013 <http://abcnews.go.com/2020/US/story?id=1574155>. Evans, Brenda. Independent Voter Network. 06 10 2012. 08 04 2013 <http://ivn.us/2012/10/06/rising-use-of-political-attack-ads/>. Reed, Levi. Republican Strategist/Political Consultant Lorraine Esperance. 08 04 2013.