THREAD: The mistake Oliver Norgrove makes here is assuming that ppl like Chloe Westley from the so-called Taxpayers’ Alliance are attempting, in good faith, to “aid understanding of complex issues”. #AltShite #LeaveLiars #BrexitShambles #twats
2/
They are of course doing nothing of the sort. What Chloe (and the rest of the pro-Brexit politico-media complex) are doing is following the Trump/Breitbart playbook on how to win political arguments when you have little evidence but can appeal to a sizeable aggrieved minority.
They are of course doing nothing of the sort. What Chloe (and the rest of the pro-Brexit politico-media complex) are doing is following the Trump/Breitbart playbook on how to win political arguments when you have little evidence but can appeal to a sizeable aggrieved minority.
3/
She muddies the waters, distracts, generates outrage from opponents, and panders to the prejudices of hardcore supporters (who thereby feel empowered to dismiss unwelcome evidence of experts and of real-world developments, in this case on Brexit).
She muddies the waters, distracts, generates outrage from opponents, and panders to the prejudices of hardcore supporters (who thereby feel empowered to dismiss unwelcome evidence of experts and of real-world developments, in this case on Brexit).
4/
It is important when encountering these bad-faith shysters to understand what their game is. Once you realise that they are not arguing in good faith, you can adapt your behaviour accordingly...
It is important when encountering these bad-faith shysters to understand what their game is. Once you realise that they are not arguing in good faith, you can adapt your behaviour accordingly...
5/
If you’re on the other side of the argument, they *want* your outrage and anger (they thrive when political debate is polarised). So don’t give them what they want. My own preference is to ignore them. If you have to react: cold, withering contempt, not the anger they seek.
If you’re on the other side of the argument, they *want* your outrage and anger (they thrive when political debate is polarised). So don’t give them what they want. My own preference is to ignore them. If you have to react: cold, withering contempt, not the anger they seek.
6/
It’s tempting to respond by answering their tweets or (even worse) by snarkily retweeting them and letting rip with your anger. But remember that every time you do this, you boost their influence on Twitter (algorithms). More detail in this thread
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It’s tempting to respond by answering their tweets or (even worse) by snarkily retweeting them and letting rip with your anger. But remember that every time you do this, you boost their influence on Twitter (algorithms). More detail in this thread
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7/
Far better (if you don’t want to amplify their hateful, divisive and destructive voices) is to screenshot their ridiculous outburst and then use the images to forensically dismantle their bullshit. Don’t name them using their twitter handles. #UseScreenshots #UseHashtags.
Far better (if you don’t want to amplify their hateful, divisive and destructive voices) is to screenshot their ridiculous outburst and then use the images to forensically dismantle their bullshit. Don’t name them using their twitter handles. #UseScreenshots #UseHashtags.
8/
Try not to respond at length to what they say. They are trying to set the agenda & get you onto terrain they have chosen. They want the debate off subjects that are disadvantageous to them- usually this is the real-life impact of Brexit. So dismiss and then pivot back to this.
Try not to respond at length to what they say. They are trying to set the agenda & get you onto terrain they have chosen. They want the debate off subjects that are disadvantageous to them- usually this is the real-life impact of Brexit. So dismiss and then pivot back to this.
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Be wise to their tricks. People like Chloe Westley say extremely stupid things but they are not stupid: on the contrary...
Be wise to their tricks. People like Chloe Westley say extremely stupid things but they are not stupid: on the contrary...
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they are part of an extremely sophisticated political communications operation that is running rings round us because it understands how social media works and how the modern-day media works.
they are part of an extremely sophisticated political communications operation that is running rings round us because it understands how social media works and how the modern-day media works.
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And if you don’t believe me, pay attention to what Chris Wylie, the Cambridge Analytica whistleblower does. He’s somebody who knows a thing or two about IT, social media and political communication.
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And if you don’t believe me, pay attention to what Chris Wylie, the Cambridge Analytica whistleblower does. He’s somebody who knows a thing or two about IT, social media and political communication.
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PS
And although Oliver has reinvented himself, and everybody now agrees that he’s a good egg despite being a Brexiter, I’m surprised that he is baffled by this modus operandi. After all, he worked for Vote Leave so will have witnessed it first hand./
And although Oliver has reinvented himself, and everybody now agrees that he’s a good egg despite being a Brexiter, I’m surprised that he is baffled by this modus operandi. After all, he worked for Vote Leave so will have witnessed it first hand./
