When an abusive organization can no longer control those who are exposing their abuses, they will turn their attention to controlling public perception of the whistleblowers, suggesting they lack credibility, are motivated by hate, and are alone in their concerns.
They use a tactic I call "tarnishing." Just as your shoes might effect your overall appearance if they are tarnished, they seek to increase public condemnation of the whistleblowers by exaggerating or fabricating characteristics that the public would disapprove of.
If the whistleblowers are truthful, concerned for the well-being of others, and compelled by a responsibility to speak up, then this tarnishing is a seriously devious tactic of deception that seeks to make those in the right appear wrong at great cost to the harmed.
Having tarnished the whistleblowers, they then use a tactic I call "polishing." Just as your shoes effect your overall appearance when polished, they seek to increase public support of the organization by exaggerating or fabricating the positive characteristics of its leadership.
If the leadership is being less than truthful, concerned for its own reputation, and compelled by a desire to remain in power, then this polishing is a seriously devious tactic of deception that seeks to make those in the wrong appear right at great cost to the harmed.
