Advantage Quote by Graciela Chichilnisky
“Political parties often take advantage of denial and fear in a moment of change. This is a well understood phenomenon that often leads to scapegoat-ism: blaming outsiders, such as immigrants, or racial and religious minorities. The phenomenon is behind Brexit and the violence in the political cycles in the US and EU.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Manipulation and Fear, 2020
Leaders exploit fear and denial during upheaval, blaming outsiders to unite supporters and deflect responsibility.
In simple terms: Fear fuels scapegoating.
Recognize and challenge fear‑based rhetoric.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- public debates
- media analysis
- community meetings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies address fear without scapegoating?
- What alternatives to blame can be offered?
Overemphasis on fear can oversimplify complex issues.