Around the world, populist demagogues have become more popular in recent years and amassed sizable followings. These people get their energy by appealing to the unspoken emotions of their fans and airing their complaints. Yet, this populist trend has also been accompanied by a divisive and intolerable attitude that does not allow for alternative viewpoints. The outcome has been an ossified political discourse that is harmful to constructive discussion.
One may compare these populist demagogues' supporters to the zombie apocalypse. They blindly follow their leaders like zombies, frequently without questioning their decisions or ideologies. They are strongly loyal to their leader, frequently to the point of blind obedience, and their actions are motivated by an overwhelming emotional response that transcends all reasonable reasoning.
Moreover, populist demagogues and their supporters frequently reject facts and evidence because of their emotive demeanor. They frequently disregard material that contradicts their preconceptions and accept it when it supports their ideas, regardless of its accuracy. This strengthens their echo chamber and makes society's divisiveness even worse.
There is a risk of serious polarisation in society as a result of the growth of populist demagogues and their supporters. The demagogues use this division to advance their own goals by branding those who disagree with their beliefs as traitors or enemies. They do not engage in healthy debate or seek to find common ground with those who have different opinions. Instead, they silence those who disagree with them using derision and slurs, which weakens democracy and free speech.
Populist demagogues' intolerance is particularly harmful because it fosters a climate of intimidation and fear. Many are reluctant to criticize these leaders for fear of being branded as state adversaries. This dread chills political debate and stifles the expression of competing viewpoints.
The tendency of populist demagogues and those who support them to oversimplify difficult matters can have negative repercussions. They frequently present oversimplified solutions to intricate issues, and their adherents blindly accept them. This may result in poorly thought-out policies with unforeseen repercussions.
Finally, it might be said that the rise of populist demagogues and their supporters is akin to the zombie apocalypse. They are intensely loyal to their leader and, like zombies, are propelled by a strong emotional response that takes precedence over rational thought. This conduct is intolerable, and polarising, and it breeds an ossified political discourse that is harmful to constructive discussion. For the sake of democracy and the right to free expression, we must keep a watchful eye and speak out against this kind of conduct.
