Lying in Politics: A Shift in Approach
The nature of dishonesty in politics has evolved. In the past, politicians would lie to conceal their wrongdoings, but now it seems they do so with little regard for the consequences. If enough falsehoods are thrown around, at least some tend to stick.
Take, for instance, the actions of Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois, who presented an altered image on the Senate floor showing an immigration officer aiming a weapon at Alex Preti’s head. Strangely enough, one of the figures in the image is even headless. This image, despite its inaccuracy, continues to circulate online—once something is on the internet, it’s hard to erase.
If it weren’t for the chaos of the current pandemic, perhaps these lies wouldn’t spread as easily.
If you want to point out examples of dishonesty from the other side, go ahead. My argument isn’t about one party versus another.
Years ago, a professor of mine posed the question, “Why do you think political lies are so prevalent today?” At the time, I dismissed it as a naive inquiry; I was too young to grasp the nuances of history. It’s a common sentiment, isn’t it? People often romanticize the past.
Yet, sometimes circumstances deteriorate further. It’s startling how much the truth is at stake today, perhaps even more than during my school days. While everyday people tell lies, politicians have mastered the art of deception. A notable distinction is that true experts in their craft are aware of what they are doing. Meanwhile, chronic liars often lose track of when they’re being truthful or not.
There are many evident reasons for the rise in dishonesty: fewer repercussions for lies, more difficulty in holding people accountable, and a decline in teaching values of honesty to younger generations. Additionally, thanks to technological advances and social media, lying is now not only easier but also more organized.
Another less obvious factor involves the refinement of deceitful strategies. The concept of the “big lie,” popularized by figures like Adolf Hitler, is that such grand falsehoods become nearly unbelievable. Our contemporary context often involves statistical exaggerations where some politicians claim that everything their opponents say is also false.
Is the sun shining? Perhaps it’s time to revisit this topic. Am I being deceptive? I’m simply trying to divert attention.
New methods of lying are propelled by technologies that enable leaders to evade responsibility towards the constituents they are meant to serve. This has resulted in a rise in tribal animosity, the perpetuation of crises, and the emergence of addictive social media.
Beyond tech advancements, the motivations for lying have shifted. Today’s politicians often lie not just to cover their tracks but to undermine the political system itself. Once a person has told a significant lie, they are incentivized to craft even bigger falsehoods to avoid detection. And when numerous lies stack up, revealing them can itself become discredited.
Without the ongoing tumult of the pandemic, it’s likely that these untruths wouldn’t be accepted so readily. During these times, individuals from all sides cling to beliefs that, frankly, are not only irrational but can also be damaging. In upcoming discussions, we’ll explore various delusions, but for now, let’s consider two that particularly pertain to political dishonesty.
One delusion relates to the nature of morality. Sometimes, I think people believe they must act wrongly to justify their actions as right.
More often than not, what’s justified in the name of improvement can lead to devastating outcomes. For example, we might rationalize destructive actions against communities to “further justice” or distort the truth about opponents to provoke harmful responses. There are testimonies given that predetermine guilt based on fears of negative consequences, and honest individuals might suffer simply to provide others with chances.
We deceive ourselves in numerous ways.
The second delusion revolves around our notions of reality. The idea that “if we say it, it must be true” leads us to disregard facts. I recall a class discussion about marriage, where some students questioned its very existence. A comment came through that one could define terms however one wishes.
Many educators might endorse this idea, believing “the truth is what works.” If a belief gets us what we desire, it is deemed effective. Yet, lies can easily be manipulated to fit this framework, confusing subjective truth with objective reality. In echo chambers where everyone shares the same sentiments, it becomes easier to dismiss contrary evidence as false. And it seems these echo chambers are famously well-organized.
To combat this tide of dishonesty and disillusionment, the solution is clear-thinking. The tough part is that not everyone, perhaps even most, wants to engage in this analysis. May we find the strength to yearn for clarity.
