Political actors often exploit people's vulnerabilities to manipulate their ideology, loyalty, and memories. One such vulnerability is intimacy - when someone reveals personal details about themselves or others to another person. This can be done through various means, including romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, professional interactions, and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Tinder, Grindr, etc.
Intimate vulnerability often involves disclosing sensitive information that one might not want publicly known.
If a politician shares information about their relationship status or sexual orientation in order to gain favor from voters who may share similar beliefs or values related to those issues. Another way politicians use intimate vulnerability is by emphasizing emotional connections between them and their constituents. They might do this by sharing personal stories or anecdotes from their own lives that resonate with voters on an emotional level.
Another tactic used by political actors is creating collective memory through shared experiences that reinforce existing ideologies or create new ones. These memories are usually created around traumatic events like wars, natural disasters, economic crises, or political upheaval. By invoking these memories, politicians can create a sense of identity and solidarity among their followers based on shared experiences.
They must also be careful not to overemphasize the importance of these moments so as not to alienate potential supporters who do not identify with them.
It's important for people to recognize how politicians exploit our vulnerabilities for their own benefit. We should think critically about what we disclose online and avoid being manipulated into believing certain narratives or ideologies simply because we feel emotionally connected to them. It's also crucial for us to examine our own biases and prejudices when reading or hearing news reports about current events - especially when they involve intimacy-based topics like sex, relationships, and gender roles.
How do political actors use intimate vulnerability as an entry point for manipulating ideological belief, emotional loyalty, or collective memory?
Political actors often capitalize on individuals' fears of social exclusion and their need for belonging by exploiting their intimate vulnerabilities. This can include appealing to people's desire for stability, identity, and security, as well as creating a sense of community through shared values or language. By doing so, they may be able to influence people's emotions and opinions, making them more likely to align with particular ideologies or memories that serve their interests.