Big Quote by Margaret MacMillan
“Nominally left- and right-wing populists differ primarily in their choice of which 'others' to exclude and attack, with the former singling out big corporations and oligarchs, and the latter targeting ethnic or religious minorities.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Atlantic, “Populism’s Two Faces”, 2020
Populists on both sides define themselves by opposing an “other” they blame for problems, but the identity of that other differs between left and right.
In simple terms: Left attacks corporations, right attacks minorities.
Key Takeaway
Identify who is being blamed and why.
Themes
politics
populism
identity
conflict
media
Mood
critical
analytical
concerned
Type
observational
commentary
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- media analysis
- community organizing
Key Concepts
othering
social division
power structures
Questions to Reflect On
- Who do you see as the “other” in current political rhetoric?
- How does this framing affect social cohesion?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying complex issues to a single enemy can ignore systemic causes.
