Philosophy Now Forum

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 8:12 pm How did Philosophy Now end up with so many 'thugs' preaching politics? And if you don't know who I am referring to, at this point, I see a few posters seemingly glorifying violence, intimidation, and threats as the solution to pursuing national interests. I'm specifically referring to them.

@ them: Why do you see those things as worthwhile avenues to pursue?

[Demagoguery] refers to a charismatic political leader (or wannabe) whose vociferous words and outspoken opinions are persuasive to many people, but are found to be offensive or threatening by others.
Demagogues tend to be narcissistic and authoritarian, as well as brazen, bombastic and belligerent. Their vitriol appeals to the vulnerable and darker places in psyches and hearts. They fuel emotional fires in their zealous followers with sentiments of prejudice, bigotry, hate, hyper-patriotism and xenophobia.

While demagoguery is often “homegrown,” it is truly an international phenomenon: A few noted demagogues in the past century include Adolph Hitler (Germany), Joseph Stalin (Russia), Joseph McCarthy (USA), Pol Pot (Cambodia), Benito Mussolini (Italy), Sukarno (Indonesia), Mao Tse Tung (China), Saddam Hussein (Iraq), Juan Peron (Argentina), Roderido Duterto (Philippines), and Islam Karimov (Uzbekistan).

All these men were despots, but we should remember that most of them were voted into office! The angrier and more hateful the demagogues’ words, the more their popularity seems to soar among their acolytes.

Demagogues’ strident opinions engender dark feelings like fear and anger in their followers, who are especially vulnerable during times of personal or social turmoil, or when they feel that they and their families are threatened.

Demagogues rail against imminent threats inside and outside their countries from enemies they blame for causing the national misfortunes. People are swayed to join their fiery campaigns against the “knaves and fools” who caused their own and societies' travails.
Demagogues’ strident opinions engender dark feelings like fear and anger in their followers, who are especially vulnerable during times of personal or social turmoil, or when they feel that they and their families are threatened.

Those most susceptible to the persuasive skills of demagogues often feel like “have-nots,” deprived and resentful at those who are more fortunate, particularly among the educated, wealthy and governing classes.

When passionate speeches promise to rid their country of enemies and simple solutions to their miseries, they are captivated and swayed. They believe the rhetoric, angry juices flow and passions are inflamed.

The fervent followers feel empowered, that they will finally get action on their behalf. The demagogue is seen as a veritable "savior" who will destroy their enemies and bring back the good “old values."


From <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog ... -demagogue>

Impenitent wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:53 pm "and the meek shall inherit the Earth..."

but when they do, it will be a burned out crust

-Imp

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 8:12 pm How did Philosophy Now end up with so many 'thugs' preaching politics? And if you don't know who I am referring to, at this point, I see a few posters seemingly glorifying violence, intimidation, and threats as the solution to pursuing national interests. I'm specifically referring to them.

@ them: Why do you see those things as worthwhile avenues to pursue?

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Impenitent wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:53 pm "and the meek shall inherit the Earth..."

but when they do, it will be a burned out crust

-Imp

Yeah. Thanks to all the thugs out there. "Good job." "Nice going." You ruined it for everyone.

Age wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:45 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Impenitent wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:53 pm "and the meek shall inherit the Earth..."

but when they do, it will be a burned out crust

-Imp

Yeah. Thanks to all the thugs out there. "Good job." "Nice going." You ruined it for everyone.

Once again, it is always every or any one else's fault.

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:08 pm

Age wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:45 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Yeah. Thanks to all the thugs out there. "Good job." "Nice going." You ruined it for everyone.

Once again, it is always every or any one else's fault.

If someone thinks war is a solution to anything or just jumps on the war bandwagon egging it on like a cheerleader, then it seems to me that they are responsible for enabling our leaders to create and continue wars. I've been saying the opposite on here.

If I'm responsible for the wars, then I see it as my responsibility to call for peace and try to stop people from cheerleading for war, which is what I've been doing from the beginning.

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:08 pm Is there something else you want me to do?

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 8:08 pm Or what do you see me doing that shows that I am not taking "responsibility" for the current wars?

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 8:12 pm How did Philosophy Now end up with so many 'thugs' preaching politics? And if you don't know who I am referring to, at this point, I see a few posters seemingly glorifying violence, intimidation, and threats as the solution to pursuing national interests. I'm specifically referring to them.

@ them: Why do you see those things as worthwhile avenues to pursue?

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Impenitent wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:53 pm "and the meek shall inherit the Earth..."

but when they do, it will be a burned out crust

-Imp

Yeah. Thanks to all the thugs out there. "Good job." "Nice going." You ruined it for everyone.

Age wrote: ↑Sat Jun 21, 2025 1:45 pm

Gary Childress wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:15 pm

Impenitent wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:53 pm "and the meek shall inherit the Earth..."

but when they do, it will be a burned out crust

-Imp

Yeah. Thanks to all the thugs out there. "Good job." "Nice going." You ruined it for everyone.

Once again, it is always every or any one else's fault.

ThinkOfOne wrote: ↑Thu Jun 19, 2025 9:18 pm Given that it's the same playbook that Hitler used to incite his followers, you'd think that people would know better than to fall for it less than 100 years later. Clearly the world continues to produce many "adults" who fail to mature emotionally and mentally. They hold self-centered and simplistic views.