“A glittering generality has two qualities- it is vague and it has positive connotations.” “However, these words are highly abstract and ambiguous, and meaningful differences exist regarding what they actually mean or should mean in the real world.” “A glittering generality (also called glowing generality) is an emotionally appealing phrase so closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that it carries conviction without supporting information or reason. Such highly valued concepts attract general approval and acclaim. Their appeal is to emotions such as love of country and home, and desire for peace, freedom, glory, and honor. They ask for approval without examination of the reason. They are typically used by politicians and propagandists.” “Words and phrases such as common good, reform, courage, democracy, freedom, hope, patriotism, strength, are terms with which people all over the world have powerful associations, and they may have trouble disagreeing with them.” “We could call these words “glittering generalities” because they use words that glitter and sparkle, while only stating generalities. That is, they give us a general, or vague sense of what they are trying to sell; they just LOOK good. Glittering generalities are used for their emotional value, not their logical value.” “Glittering generalities was one of the seven main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938. It also occurs very often in politics and political propaganda.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glittering_generality sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Glittering_generalities fallacydetective/news/read/glittering-generalities/
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:12:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015