Populism has become the most decried political ideology. Across a wide political spectrum runnning from the right of centre, centre right to the hard left, no one likes to be called a populist. Its practice is regarded as one which cultivates facile ways by which to describe issues and to present problems. They allow citizens to find in what is being said and done, a confirmation of their prejudices.

The solutions provided by populism promote a closed society and an egoistic nationalism that goes way beyond what reasonably could be deemed as the national interest. What is most important is that people believe their fears are really being catered for. As a result, tensions and harsh confrontations often arise within and between nations.

However on reflection, it becomes clear that frequently, elements of populism are being employed by all political formations, including those considered to be progressive.

During past months, in contexts where styles usually are well away from populism, I listened to inputs being made in a populist tone, slanted though in the progressive mode, about such sectors as environmental protection, immigration and political leadership, among others. They were well received.

***

POLITICAL RHETORIC

In coming weeks, the expectation is for political rhetoric to predominate. Severe criticism of this and that will become the rule, as will announcements that promise a better future, perhaps a better present too. This is inevitable.

Of all forms of expression, political discourse is most at risk of devaluing itself. One could suspect that the same applies to religious rhetoric. But the latter has limits to how far it could go by way of exaggeration – limits determined by the dogmas of faith and by the respect expected for religious hierarchies. Also, religious discourse is not used, or rarely, in a framework where two keen rivals are in competition, even if in it, the devil – this goes with his function, poor thing – gets to be demonised.

A problem with political rhetoric is that it relies so much on an extreme and caricatural projection of the reality that it empties the message which it is delivering of all meaningful content.

We shall see whether in the electoral campaign, we shall be reaching this point or not.                                           

***

CHRISTMAS

Preparations for Christmas have started. That holds for businesses, and even earlier, for kids. All are hoping that the restrictions of Christmans 2020 – dictated by the pandemic – will not have to be repeated.

Whatever happens, for many the exchange of Christmas presents will still proceed without too many problems, given the ease with which gifts can be bought off the internet. This year should be a better one though for “face to face” shopping – for  a time, it was as if this had stopped being a natural activity – and family get-togethers. One is amazed at how many people still complain about the weeks when such activities were no-go.

The aim of enjoying the coming Xmas as a normal one should give extra power to efforts being made to ensure that all measures still required to keep Covid under control are being fully observed.