Politicians are often seen as people who make decisions based on their own beliefs and interests rather than those of the public.
They too can be affected by social pressures that come from outside themselves. One such pressure is collective moral outrage, which refers to the emotional response of large groups of individuals towards actions deemed immoral by society. This reaction can affect how politicians behave both personally and professionally, shaping their trajectories in politics. In this article, I will examine how collective moral outrage has shaped the personal trajectory of political figures throughout history.
Impact on Politicians' Behavior
Collective moral outrage can have a profound impact on politicians' behavior, as it puts them under immense pressure to act according to societal norms. When faced with widespread condemnation for an action they have taken, politicians may feel compelled to apologize or change their stance in order to maintain popularity.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was subjected to intense criticism after being impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair with Monica Lewinsky. He responded by publicly admitting his mistakes and expressing regret for his actions, thereby attempting to regain public support. Similarly, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently faced backlash over allegations of partygate, where he attended multiple gatherings during lockdown restrictions despite telling the public not to do so. Johnson eventually issued an apology but refused to resign, demonstrating that even powerful leaders cannot escape the consequences of collective outrage.
Impact on Reputation
Another way in which collective moral outrage shapes political figures is through its effect on their reputation. Public opinion about a politician often determines whether they are seen as trustworthy and reliable. If people believe they acted immorally, their reputation may suffer, leading to decreased support and influence. This happened with former U.S. President Richard Nixon, who was caught up in the Watergate scandal involving illegal activities within his administration. The public reacted negatively towards him, and he ultimately resigned from office due to the impact on his reputation. In contrast, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained high approval ratings despite accusations of sexual misconduct because many Canadians see him as a progressive leader who stands for social justice causes like gender equality.
Impact on Future Actions
Collective moral outrage can shape future decisions made by politicians, as it forces them to consider how their actions will be received by society.
After facing criticism for her response to the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledged £50 million to rebuild the community and improve safety regulations. Similarly, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently enacted a vaccine mandate for municipal employees, citing public health concerns as justification for such a measure. Collective outrage can thus push politicians to make tough choices that prioritize societal needs over personal interests or political expediency.
Collective moral outrage plays an important role in shaping the personal trajectory of political figures, affecting their behavior, reputation, and future actions. By understanding this dynamic, we gain insight into how public opinion influences those in power and can hold them accountable for their actions.
How does collective moral outrage shape the personal trajectory of political figures?
Collective moral outrage can shape the personal trajectory of political figures by influencing their perceptions, reputations, and decisions. When public criticism is severe enough, it can lead to resignations, impeachment proceedings, or even criminal charges being filed against politicians. This pressure can alter how they view themselves and their actions, potentially causing them to make different choices moving forward.