Crisis

#Netherlands is in an atmosphere of crisis. Little to nothing is being done to combat discrimination and inequality. Things need to change. But change will never happen overnight. You, me and we, are the change #TK2021

Case study on use of postal voting for Lower House elections in corona period, Ministry of Home affairs

This tweet paints a specific and at the same time vague picture: ‘an atmosphere of crisis’. This does not mean that there is a crisis. The very word ‘atmosphere’ subtly reinforces the image of ‘a crisis’. At the same time, it prevents the tweeter from being held accountable for proclaiming falsehoods.

The tweeter presents the observations as nuanced: “Little to nothing is being done”. The messenger makes no firm statements, does not further quantify the observations, but at the same time presents it as an insight from which one can conclude nothing but that things must change. In other words: there is no escape, we have to change course. That will not come about by the actual people in charge, and so ‘you and I, we’ have to bring about the change. This way, ‘you, me, we’, emphasises collectively. A group is formed that is pitted against the government.

Contrast this with a common interest. Explain that countering discrimination and inequality is also a high priority within your group (in this case, the ministry/government) and show how this can be seen. For example, talk about what is done during the elections to prevent discrimination and inequality and explain the considerations behind measures (choosing a limited group of postal voters, e.g.) that might be perceived as discriminatory. If it is not possible to connect to other people’s interests (in this case countering discrimination and inequality) you might be able to emphasise another common interest e.g. the right to vote.

Betrekkende taal Groepsvorming 3