why has name calling become an accepatble substitute for debate?

Question

Is it just me but so many conservative "journalists" like ann coulter and sean hannity as well as a lot of conservative politicians and supporters have made name calling an acceptable substitute for debate, everywhere i look all i see is conservatives (who for the most part are closet racists) calling their opponents names such as anti american and other crap but rarely do isee them sitting down to make any reasonable and constructive debate with people who do not think like them, why is that the case? and what can be done to stop it?

Answer 1

I think that name-calling really became a serious problem with the rise of right-wing (is there any other kind?) talk radio. Fox news acting as a defacto propaganda organ of the Republican party has contributed to the problem.

Another aspect of the problem is that most people rely on televsion for their information. There is no way that television can convey any aspect of a complex problem with any degree of veracity; it's a medium designed for sound bites. I remember reading one distinguished (and right-leaning) journalist being absolutely flabbergasted when he was asked to explain the causes of World War II in 60 words or less for a television history of Word War II. With those kind of constraints, name-calling becomes a convenient short-hand for more serious debate because serious debate (i.e., debate that isn't measured in sound bites) is impossible.

As well, Americans are particularly easily conned when patriotism is introduced. They're suckers for any charlatan who wraps himself in the American flag. It's not unpatriotic to disagree with the war in Iraq, and asking to have American troops pulled out of Iraq is not any less supportive of the troops than yelling "U.S.A, U.SA." and screaming that American troops should stay in Iraq. It's not unpatriotic to debate the aims of American foreign and military policy; there's a name for that sort of thing, it's called "democracy."

But the big problem is that people buy this stuff. I can't imagine even Anne Coulter honestly believing everything she says; it's her schtick and it's made her a lot of money because people lap it up. She therefore has every incentive to continue; who wouldn't, if doing so would make them as wealthy as Coulter has become?

Answer 2

Because we live in an MTV age, an age where reading has been replaced by surfing the internet, an age where a President's sex life is considered more important than his administrative policies, an age where a man can declare himself king and millions bow down, an age where sex sells and intelligence takes a backseat to libido, an age where there is more conversation about a Presidential candidate's gender, religion or color than where he or she stands on the issues, an age of hypocrisy, and an age of division and hatred.

Answer 3

If American politicians are any occasion call calling and finger pointing are the very foundation of politics. Watch some marketing campaign categorised classified ads on television. you will see lots greater opponent bashing than valid political debate.

Answer 4

I agree their arguments are shallow! The name calling and labels are just childish. What is wrong with these people. They act like their slogans, "Ditto Head" & You Are A Great American" is supposed to mean something! Are their listeners that insecure?

Answer 5

Name calling works better when you have to work with 30 second sound bites.

More importantly, it doesn't require people to think. Both major parties agree that thinking is dangerous and should be left to the professionals. Too many voters agree.

Answer 6

Good question, but your explanation left out Democrats/Liberals who do EXACTLY the same thing. By leaving them out, it seems as if you believe it's okay when they do the name calling (does "closet racists" ring any bells here?), but you don't like it when republicans do it?

I'm just curious whether you actually see the hypocrisy here or not.

Answer 7

not much. there are so many hate filled people out there who feed off these guys. hannity and his cousins make a bunch of money. and money rules.

Answer 8

It is funny how you name call in Your question about name calling...

quoted from your Q---

"everywhere i look all i see is conservatives (who for the most part are closet racists)"

Is it name calling for me to call you a hypocrite?

Answer 9

I strongly advocate an education should preceed any ability to debate..and this place is a perfect template..to use as
an example of why it is so....important

Answer 10

Here is the problem. DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS BOTH DO IT! Stop identifying yourself by your party and start identifying yourself as an American not a party affiliation.