HUMAN beings, by nature, are predominantly emotional. Politicians, recognising this trait, often hack into these emotions as a quick and effective way to influence the behaviour of the masses. This manipulation is neither random nor accidental; it is a deliberate strategy aimed at controlling public perception, consolidating power, and deflecting attention from their own shortcomings.
It’s akin to a computer virus – once implanted, the infected mind struggles to free itself from the emotional propaganda. Hence one can imagine how difficult it would be to “devirus” a mind that has been programmed for many decades.For this reason, it is crucial that the educated and enlightened members of society take on the responsibility of awakening their fellow citizens.
People must be guided to see beyond the immediate emotional appeal of political rhetoric and recognise the underlying motives that often govern political action. Politicians and elites – whether religious or secular – frequently underperform, and most lack genuine intent in their service to the nation and its people.
A clear sign of this disingenuity lies in their persistent efforts to perpetuate ignorance and division. Many politicians actively work to create and sustain imaginary conflicts, manipulating so called sensitive topics such as race and religion.
These fabricated conflicts serve to distract the public from the real issues at hand – whether it be corruption, mismanagement, or the erosion of public institutions – while enriching the politicians and elites themselves.
The unfortunate reality is that most people are preoccupied with the daily struggle to earn a living. This leaves little time or energy for critical reflection on political matters, making the general populace an easy target for manipulation.
When people are too distracted by imagined enemies or conflicts with one another, politicians are able to maintain their political dynasties, preserving their power, prestige, and wealth.
But I believe there is hope. If enough people begin to see through these manipulative tactics and start questioning the motives behind political decisions, change is possible. It is imperative that we encourage open discourse, promote critical thinking, and remind ourselves and others of our shared humanity – beyond the divisive politics of race, religion, and identity.The onus is on us – the educated, the aware, and the awakened – to challenge the status quo. Only by refusing to be manipulated and instead choosing to engage in thoughtful, rational discourse can we begin to dismantle the structures that allow politicians to exploit our emotions for their own gain.
To resist the emotional manipulation and political strategies that exploit the masses, it’s essential to adopt proactive, informed approaches.
Here are some ways how we can effectively resist:
1. Cultivate critical thinking• Question everything: When confronted with political rhetoric, instead of accepting it at face value, question the motive behind it. What does the politician or elite stand to gain from promoting a particular narrative? Is there any factual basis behind the claims, or are they purely emotional bait?
• Seek multiple perspectives: Avoid relying on a single source of information. Media outlets often have their biases, so diversify your sources to ensure you’re getting a balanced view. Compare different opinions and analyse the facts independently.
• Learn to recognise manipulation: Emotional manipulation often involves fear-mongering, scapegoating, or appealing to base instincts like tribalism. Recognise these tactics for what they are, and resist reacting impulsively. Resist fear-based politics.
2. Promote education and awareness• Invest in education: Education remains one of the most effective ways to inoculate people against manipulation. Encourage learning in both formal and informal settings. Knowledge empowers people to think for themselves and resist falling prey to half-truths and false narratives.
• Raise awareness: Share information that highlights how emotional manipulation works. Organize workshops, discussion groups, or use social media to raise awareness about the tactics used by politicians to sow division and control.
• Empower the youth: Equip the next generation with tools for critical thinking, media literacy, and civic engagement. This ensures a more resistant populace in the future.
3. Foster unity and dialogue• Focus on commonalities: Politicians often create imaginary enemies by exploiting differences in race, religion, or social standing. Counteract this by promoting unity and focusing on shared values, goals, and humanity. Recognise that our common challenges and aspirations far outweigh our differences.
• Engage in constructive dialogue: Engage with people who have different opinions. Instead of arguing, try to understand their perspective and work towards finding common ground. This builds bridges and reduces polarisation, which politicians exploit to maintain control.
• Reject divisive narratives: When divisive rhetoric surfaces – whether in political speeches, media reports, or social interactions – make it a point to challenge those narratives. Point out the manipulation and offer a more constructive way to think about the issue.
4. Support independent journalism and fact-checking• Promote transparency: Support independent journalism that holds politicians and elites accountable. Independent journalists often provide the in-depth analysis and investigative work needed to expose corruption and manipulation.
• Fact-check before sharing: In an era of misinformation, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it with others. Rely on verified fact-checking platforms, and help others discern truth from falsehood.
5. Engage in civic responsibility• Vote wisely: Educate yourself on the policies and track records of political candidates before voting. Don’t be swayed by charisma or emotional appeals; instead, focus on their concrete plans for governance and past performance.• Hold leaders accountable: After elections, continue to monitor the actions of your elected representatives. Participate in civic activities, such as attending town halls, signing petitions, or joining advocacy groups that promote accountability.
• Get involved: Don’t be passive. Whether through grassroots organisations, volunteer work, or activism, engage in efforts that strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that power remains with the people.
6. Prioritise emotional awareness• Control your own emotions: Being aware of how your emotions can be manipulated is crucial. Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection can help you recognise when you’re being emotionally provoked and resist reacting impulsively.
• Encourage emotional intelligence in others: Spread emotional awareness by helping others recognise how they might be manipulated. Discussions about emotional intelligence – understanding one’s own emotions and those of others –can be powerful tools for resistance.
7. Create and support alternative narratives• Strengthen local communities: Politicians often thrive on national or global scale fearmongering because it feels distant and overwhelming. Combat this by building stronger, more connected local communities where trust, dialogue, and cooperation are central.
At the end of the day, I believe that only thinking and compassionate citizens can help the country progress and increase collective happiness for us all.
Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages critical thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
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