What is pandering?

Answer 1

From dictionary.com:

To act as a go-between or liaison in sexual intrigues; function as a procurer.
To cater to the lower tastes and desires of others or exploit their weaknesses: "He refused to pander to nostalgia and escapism" (New York Times).

Answer 2

Basically it is saying or doing something purely for the purpose of gaining something from a person or group. What the panderer does or says is usually not a true reflection of their beliefs or mannerisms.

Example: Politician going to an NRA meeting and talking about how he loves to hunt and will protect the people's rights to bear arms. Then goes to a feminist organization and promises to fight for gun legislation. That is pandering.

Answer 3

Just listen to the speech by Hillary Clinton where she breaks into what some have defined a "southern black accent" and you will know what pandering is. It is pretending to be something you are not, in order to fool those you want to persuade. Al Gore has done it, when he visits churches and starts pretending to be a preacher. It is an obvious manipulation of the masses, and tends to suggest that the speaker thinks the group is too stupid to not notice their actions.
Such pandering is despicable.

Answer 4

If you pander to someone or something then it means you are adapting your behaviour to suit that other person.
Usually it's seen as a bad thing as it usually shows a bias that is unwarranted. For instance if you pander to someones wishes then you are intentionally doing what they want at the cost of doing what you want.
Other similar terms, "brown nosing", "sucking up to ...", "butt kissing" etc.

Answer 5

In US politics, we refer to pandering as "catering to" groups in order to get their vote. It's when a candidate speaks to a group of Mexican immigrants in spanish, or quoting a prominant leader from the cultural group you are addressing, or pretending to be a hunter for the NRA, etc. etc. etc. They all do it!

Answer 6

You hear it most in the US about politics. It means when a candidate will say there for more troops in Iraq. Then they change there mind, and say there against it. The do this because they go with polls. And if a poll said Americans are for it, they say they are too. The next poll said there against it, then magically they are also now against it.

Answer 7

It's when you go to Alabama and change your dialect from your normal northern dialect to that of southern dialect just to create the perception that, "I am one of you..." when really...you're not. See: Hillary Clinton last week in Selma, AL. What is really sad is that these people cheered, while she offended them.

Answer 8

Its what Tony Blair has been doing to George Bush for the last few years.''Yes George'' ''No George'',''Three bags full George''!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Same as pimping.

Answer 10

providing gratification for what someone desires !!!