Saturday, 19 November 2016

On Post-Truth Blues.

Jeremy Corbyn says that the ‘fake anti-elitism of rich white men like Donald Trump is farcical.' Of course it is; I said the same thing on this blog months ago.

The whole point of the argument, however, is that it’s a prime example of the post-truth principle. If you want to win in politics, don’t give people objective facts and secure reason. Instead, strike the right pose and appeal to their emotions and prejudices, especially their fears – however irrational they might be – and their innate reliance on perceived self-interest. And the sad fact is that however much you ameliorate the disappointment of that ludicrous American election by citing low turnout and the fact that Clinton won the popular vote, too many Americans fell for Trump’s post-truth expertise.

But don’t be too disheartened, Americans; you’re not the only ones who fall for this sort of thing. I have little doubt that it’s the reason for the disturbing rise in right-wing support in Europe at the moment. And the Tory faithful in Britain fall for it as a matter of routine.

No comments: