Explain the differences between a demagogue and a responsible speaker. Whom would you identify as an example of present-day demagogue and as an example of a present-day responsible speaker?
Why do you think each deserves that label? How we can safeguard our democracy against the influence of demagogic voices?
What will be an ideal response?
The best answers will:
1. identify the definitions of demagogue and responsible speakers, noting that the biggest differences lie in intentions and in practices. For answers to be acceptable, the definition of each term should include characteristics of each speaker (such as demagogues being manipulative and self-serving).
2. provide an example of a present-day demagogue and a present-day responsible speakers. Examples of demagogues include such personages as Ann Coulter and Donald Trump. Examples of ethical speakers include such personages as Nicholas Kristof. For answers to be acceptable, the student must provide their reasoning process for assigning that label to the person they identify.
3. note that the only way to protect democracy from demagogues is to learn to recognize them, speak out against them, and commit ourselves to engage only in responsible speech. Exceptional answers will provide real-world examples of when citizens have done this, such as the social media response to Ann Coulter using the slur, "retard," against President Obama, calling out her disrespect for the president and for persons with special needs disparaged by this term.
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