Enmity Quote by Geoffrey Nunberg
““It's important that these people think of their adversaries specifically as assholes. That's what gives the modern rhetoric of polarization its singular stamp and makes it different from the execrations of other ages. Seeing our antagonists as assholes means, for one thing, that the enmity is personal. (189)””
About This Quote
Labeling opponents as morally contemptible personalizes conflict, intensifying division beyond traditional polemics.
In simple terms: Personalized enmity fuels polarization.
Key Takeaway
Dehumanizing opponents deepens societal splits.
Themes
polarization
rhetoric
personal conflict
social division
identity politics
Mood
irritated
cynical
critical
Type
political
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- online discourse
- media commentary
- community meetings
- campaign rhetoric
Key Concepts
enemy perception
moral labeling
social cohesion
Practical Applications
- critical media analysis
- conflict resolution training
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal vilification affect political compromise?
- Can recognizing shared humanity reduce polarization?
A Different Perspective
Such labeling may oversimplify complex disagreements, hindering constructive dialogue.
