Spanish politics: a museum of insults at its worst
Spanish politics sinks to a new low with insults, accusations of Freemasonry and calls for extreme punishment. An analysis of the language...
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The museum of pavor: political debate hits rock bottom
Spanish politics has once again brushed up against the absurd. The latest episode of tension has left a trail of smears that show just how far the degradation of public language has gone. Among those taking part in the row are references to the terrorist group ETA, accusations of Freemasonry and even calls for the gallows. This is not an isolated case, but the tip of the iceberg of a drift that has been eroding democratic debate for years.
A script written in bile
One camp celebrates the far right's exit from government as a victory for democracy. Another responds with scepticism: voters get what they vote for. And a third, more radical voice has no qualms about demanding extreme punishment for its opponents. This cocktail of cynicism, outrage and symbolic violence turns any serious discussion into a tasteless spectacle.
The consequences of polarisation
Polarisation is not just a problem of tone. When anger is channelled through insults and references to violence, society's ability to settle its differences through facts and arguments is weakened. Messages of encouragement such as "everything will be fine" are used as sarcasm, and every gesture of moderation is taken as a provocation.
The Museum of Pavor is open to the public every day. Admission is free and the permanent exhibition is refreshed with every new political episode. The question is whether anyone is willing to switch off the lights.
Spanish politics has once again brushed up against the absurd. The latest episode of tension has left a trail of smears that show just how far the degradation of public language has gone. Among those taking part in the row are references to the terrorist group ETA, accusations of Freemasonry and even calls for the gallows. This is not an isolated case, but the tip of the iceberg of a drift that has been eroding democratic debate for years.
A script written in bile
One camp celebrates the far right's exit from government as a victory for democracy. Another responds with scepticism: voters get what they vote for. And a third, more radical voice has no qualms about demanding extreme punishment for its opponents. This cocktail of cynicism, outrage and symbolic violence turns any serious discussion into a tasteless spectacle.
The consequences of polarisation
Polarisation is not just a problem of tone. When anger is channelled through insults and references to violence, society's ability to settle its differences through facts and arguments is weakened. Messages of encouragement such as "everything will be fine" are used as sarcasm, and every gesture of moderation is taken as a provocation.
The Museum of Pavor is open to the public every day. Admission is free and the permanent exhibition is refreshed with every new political episode. The question is whether anyone is willing to switch off the lights.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (14 replies).
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