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DOG WHISTLES, HATE AND POLITICAL MANIPULATION


L. Poenaru


In the realm of politics, a "dog whistle" refers to the strategic use of coded or suggestive language intended to appeal to a specific demographic, often to rally support without arousing widespread criticism. The term draws from the analogy of ultrasonic dog whistles, which emit frequencies beyond the range of human hearing, yet are easily detected by dogs. Political dog whistles involve the use of language that, on the surface, seems benign or conventional but is actually loaded with deeper meaning for those in the know. This tactic allows politicians to address controversial issues or signal their stance to a select group without triggering backlash from a broader audience. 


There are plenty of strategies of this type used in the realm of cybercapitalism. In fact, these kinds of dog whistle messaging and coded imagery are often used extensively in online marketing and advertising. Companies may use specific imagery, colors, or symbols that are associated with a particular ideology or lifestyle in order to appeal to a certain demographic of consumers, who will be more likely to identify with and be drawn to the company's message. These techniques are often used to subtly convey a certain message or ideology to the target audience without explicitly stating it.  


Another aspect of cybercapitalism, in which dog whistle messaging and coded imagery are used, is the spread of fake news or disinformation. Cyber criminals or propaganda agents may use fake news articles, memes, or other forms of media that contain coded messages or imagery to spread misinformation or propaganda. These messages may not be immediately apparent to the average internet user, but will be understood by those in the know and can be used to manipulate public opinion or create division.  


In the context of hate speech, dog whistles are often used to communicate hateful or discriminatory messages to like-minded individuals without alerting others to the true nature of the message. These dog whistles can take many forms, such as images, memes, or symbols, that are used to signify a certain ideology or message without explicitly spelling it out. They are used by individuals and groups who want to communicate their ideology and hate without explicitly stating it, and can therefore fly under the radar of public scrutiny or censorship. These dog whistles often use imagery or coded language that is not immediately recognizable as discriminatory or hateful, but is understood by those in the know to have a deeper, more sinister meaning.  


A common example of a dog whistle is the use of the phrase "family values" in the context of political discourse. While the phrase "family values" may seem innocuous at face value, it is often used to signal support for policies or ideologies that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals or women. A politician who talks about "protecting family values" is often signaling support for policies that restrict access to abortion or same-sex marriage without explicitly stating these positions. By invoking "family values," the politician can appeal to a conservative base that understands the underlying message, while avoiding direct confrontation or alienation of more moderate or undecided voters who might be put off by overtly discriminatory rhetoric.  


This phrase, therefore, serves as a coded language that aligns with certain social and religious beliefs, particularly those that favor traditional definitions of family and gender roles, often at the expense of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom. The use of "family values" in this context exemplifies how dog whistles operate—by communicating a specific, often exclusionary agenda to a targeted audience under the guise of promoting widely accepted and seemingly benign principles. This allows the speaker to maintain plausible deniability, as critics who challenge the underlying implications of the term can be accused of overreacting or misinterpreting a phrase that appears, on the surface, to be universally positive. Thus, the dog whistle effectively rallies support among those who understand its true meaning, while shielding the speaker from broader criticism. 


Another commonly used dog whistle is the use of the phrase "law and order". While this phrase may seem straightforward, it is often used to signal support for policies that disproportionately target minority communities and perpetuate systemic racism within the justice system. For example, when a politician talks about "restoring law and order" they may be signaling an endorsement of harsher policing tactics, increased incarceration rates, or policies that prioritize punitive measures over reform, particularly in communities of color. The phrase "law and order" often carries connotations of cracking down on crime in a way that appeals to voters who may be concerned about public safety, but it also subtly reinforces stereotypes that associate minority communities with criminality and disorder. 


By invoking "law and order," politicians can appeal to those who fear social change or unrest, while avoiding direct statements that could be seen as overtly racist or discriminatory. This rhetoric tends to ignore the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of access to education, or systemic inequality, and instead focuses on a tough-on-crime approach that often leads to over-policing and the marginalization of already vulnerable populations. 


The use of "law and order" as a dog whistle is particularly effective because it taps into broader societal fears and anxieties, framing the conversation in terms of security and stability. However, it often masks an underlying agenda that seeks to maintain existing power structures and suppress movements for social justice and equality. In this way, "law and order" rhetoric can be a powerful tool for rallying support among certain voter bases while perpetuating policies that contribute to ongoing racial and social inequities. 




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