Why does everyone try to demonize the opposing political party?

Question

I find it hillarious that just because someone has a different opinion than you on the direction of the country you demonize them. This happens on both sides but I've seen alot of it coming from the right. Basically, comparing Dems to terrorists or just calling them immoral bad people. Do you really believe people in whatever party opposes yours are horrible people?

Answer 1

republicans are demons and the dems are succubi . you must be a mix of them , you succumon . hey , how's it going ?

Answer 2

Well, its just exaggeration to prove a point. Rather than say the following: The Democrats will probably try to pull out of Iraq. Therefore, If one believes that terrorism will be stopped by staying in Iraq until victory, they will say that the Democrats are soft of prosecuting terrorists. Then, they will exaggerate and say that the Democrats support terrorism and are immoral and dont care about deaths of 9-11, etc. Whether or not you believe that specific logic, that is simply an example of how someone would end up "demonizing" a party. There are infinite examples from all political perspectives.

Answer 3

Well, the media has been allowed to be held in fewer and fewer hands. Real dialogue has been stifled.

The new right wing media are not journalists. Journalism is known as the 'fifth estate' of democracy. Democracy is threatened now more than ever due to the polarization this lack of real journalism is helping to foster. Journalism shouldn't be about profit.

Democracy is also threatened from the apathy that disenfranchisement is fostering.
It was the right wing of politics that successfully lobbied to change the laws regarding media ownership.
When people can't see their views represented or see their voice having any effect they tend to disengage. When large numbers of citizens don't participate in democracy it becomes vulnerable to being hijacked by those who are involved because they have something to gain.

Demonization of the other side is partly driven by ratings which translates to profits. Imagine if every T.V. channel was required to provide 1 minute per hour to "public good" advertising! The communications outlets are licensed by the government because the public owns the "airwaves". Why then do all the media outlets get to choose who gets on their outlet? Remember Nazi Germany and Goebbel's propaganda ministry? We know it works. Rwandan radio broadcasts demonized the Tutsis so that their fellow citizens were able to self-justify killing their neighbours.

The F.C.C. should reign in people like Rush Limbaugh.

P.S. I'm Canadian and I'm proud of the Journalistic integrity of our government supported CBC. I am equally disgusted by FOX television news (owned by ultra right winger Rupert Murdoch).

During 2002 and 2003 we (in Canada)watched in utter disgust as the new corporate media dealt with Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz et al with "kid gloves". There was no way the average American media consumer was going to be exposed to true journalism. PBS is your best news program.

Answer 4

Only the rude ones truly believe the other party is terrible. I am open-minded and realize the faults and strengths in both sides of the spectrum. I don't like to go along with those name games, but I do expose the truth without hesitation.

Answer 5

This site is anonymous. It gives people a chance to vent. Very cathartic.
I see more from the left. Calling conservatives Nazis & racists for example.

Answer 6

pointing out what someone thinks the flaws are isn't demonizing
Dems are terrorist to the morals and very way of life to Americans
they are elitist anti-anything America haters of the USA

Answer 7

Not a very long answer, but here goes.

It's to make the other party seem worse than yours, hence more votes for you.

Simple, m'dear.

Answer 8

I personally do not. I hate both parties.

Answer 9

Look everyone, Satan has asked a question!!!!!