Leaders' Rhetoric Can Lead to Societal Harm

Leaders who promote the idea that certain human beings are unworthy and their experiences insignificant can sow seeds of societal discord and harm. This rhetoric, often amplified by propaganda and lies, serves to gaslight populations and obscure the truth. When coupled with the abuse of power and wealth, such leaders can effectively repress citizens, diverting resources and attention away from public good and towards personal enrichment. The long-term consequences of such actions can be devastating, eroding trust, fostering division, and undermining the fundamental principles of a just and equitable society. The author, Kathy Johnson Bowles, writing for Inside Higher Ed on August 4, 2026, posits that this pattern of behavior, when unchecked, leads to a society where empathy is diminished and the well-being of the populace is sacrificed for the gain of a select few.

This phenomenon is not merely theoretical; historical examples abound where authoritarian figures and regimes have systematically dehumanized specific groups to consolidate power and justify oppression. The use of propaganda, a key tool in the arsenal of such leaders, involves the deliberate dissemination of biased or misleading information to manipulate public opinion and perception. This can range from outright falsehoods to the selective presentation of facts, all designed to achieve a specific political or social outcome. When leaders engage in gaslighting, they actively deny the reality experienced by individuals or groups, making them question their own sanity and perceptions. This psychological manipulation is a powerful tool for control, as it isolates individuals and makes them more susceptible to the narratives imposed by those in power.

The concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, particularly when combined with a disregard for the value of human life, creates a fertile ground for corruption and exploitation. Citizens can find themselves subjected to policies that benefit the elite at their expense, with little recourse or ability to challenge the status quo. This can manifest in various forms, including economic policies that exacerbate inequality, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions. The author's concern is that by forgetting the lessons of history and the inherent dangers of such leadership, societies risk repeating past mistakes, leading to further marginalization and suffering for vulnerable populations. The call to remember and to actively resist such corrosive influences is central to maintaining a healthy and functioning society that values all its members.