About Sloganeering:

Slogans can tap into audiences’ emotions, but they have the effect of pushing away earnest discussion. They are appropriate for protests or rallies where partisan unity is the goal and there is no interest in debating issues. They are designed to be unassailable embodiments of an idea or value and prioritize the catchiest phrase over the most logical or well-supported argument.

But on social media they serve no constructive purpose; in some cases, they demonize the opposition or rally supporters who recognize the phrase. For example, arguing for “social justice” or for “freedom” can be an implicit dig at the other side, as in “The other guys don’t want justice,” or “The other guys don’t want freedom.” Both accusations are of course absurd and unworthy of response. Sloganeering may also serve the purpose of improving the status of the user who issues it.

Some slogans, such as “Make America Great Again”, are set phrases from central sources. But many common partisan talking points have the characteristics of slogans, even if they’re not worded the same way every time. They are abstract, they claim primacy of a particular value or principle, and they dumb down the discussion.

Here are more examples. None of them merit discussion. You could undoubtedly think of others!

• We believe in freedom
• Yes, We Can
• We demand justice
• Save the planet
• Government is the problem
• Fight wokeness
• Women’s rights are human rights