The Overton Window is a political theory that describes how public perception can be altered so that ideas previously considered absurd are accepted in the long run.
According to this theory, even taboo subjects would not be exempt from their effects, so that the general assessment of society on subjects such as incest, pedophilia or cannibalism could be radically modified, so that brainwashing or brainwashing is not necessary. establish a dictatorial regime. but to develop a series of advanced techniques whose implementation would go unnoticed by society. Let’s go further.
- This phenomenon was studied by Joseph Overton.
- Who noted that.
- For each area of public management.
- Only a small range of potential policies is considered acceptable.
- A range that does not vary when ideas change among politicians.
- But are chosen by society at large.
Joseph Overton has developed a vertical policy model ranging from “the freer” at the top of the spectrum to “the least free”?you can move within that axis, expand, or decrease.
In principle, it seems impossible for society to accept some of the taboos mentioned, however, Overton’s window theory holds that this may happen, to see what are the different stages of Overton’s window, we will focus on a specific taboo, for example, cannibalism. .
In the first stage, cannibalism is below the lowest acceptance level in Overton’s window. Society considers it a specific practice for immoral or sociopathic people. This idea is considered disgusting and seedless for any morality. At this point, the window closes and does not move.
To begin with the change of heart, the idea is transferred to the scientific field, because for scientists there should not be a taboo subject, so the intellectual community would analyze the traditions and rituals of certain tribes, creating a radical group of means. -Smart cannibals.
After Stage 1, the idea became unthinkable to argue. The second stage seeks acceptance of the idea. With the conclusions of scientists, those who refuse to acquire knowledge on the subject may be considered uncompromising.
People who resist will begin to be seen as fanatics who oppose science, the intolerant are publicly condemned because the idea loses its negative connotations, even changing the name from cannibalism to anthropophagy or anthropophilia, gradually the media would make the consumption of human flesh acceptable. respectable.
If the consumption of human flesh becomes a common right, it could go from an idea that is in principle unacceptable to something that makes sense. In the meantime, those who continue to oppose the idea will continue to be criticized. These people would be considered radical against a fundamental right.
On the other hand, the scientific community and the media would insist that human history is full of cases of cannibalism, without being alien to ancient societies.
Right now, cannibalism becomes a favorite subject, the idea begins to be shown in films, television series and any other entertainment medium as a positive thing, while praising historical characters related to these practices. and its positive image continues to strengthen.
Finally, Overton’s window, closed at first, opens slowly, in this last step begins to prepare the legislative apparatus that will legalize the phenomenon, the defenders of cannibalism consolidate in politics and begin to seek more power and representation.
Thus, a first unthinkable and immoral idea in all its aspects, has come to impose itself on the collective consciousness as a right through a theory that can change the public perception of any idea, however absurd.