"The strain of anti-intellectualism is nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." This is a basic problem in all democracies. All citizens are equal because they all have votes. They are however vastly unequal in their knowledge and understanding of public affairs. Also unequal are their education and wealth, making their capacity to influence affairs quite different. Those differences are patent, anyone can see them. Hence arises in practically all democracies the painfully visible difference between the Haves, who have education, wealth and power, and the Have Nots who complain of the 'deep state' and their deprivation.
This creates the opportunity for the rise of the demagogue, like a sphinx from the fetid ashes of people's complaints and misery, with the body of a lion, strong and invulnerable thanks to the support of a committed base, and the wings of an eagle, that cannot be shot down by normal democratic processes. The demagogue sees the gap between the complacent and the discontented - and proceeds to use the latter's misery and frustration to build his base.
How does the demagogue build his popularity?
This story is from the November 11, 2024 edition of The Statesman.
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This story is from the November 11, 2024 edition of The Statesman.
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