Courtney McGrailDear Editor, We would do well to heed Fr Vincent Twomey on the results of the marriage referendum, (IC 18/06/2015) but more significant than the results was the manner in which the ‘yes’ campaign was conducted. It was professional, well-organised and as we know extremely effective. However it was characterised by a marked absence of the kind of calm, balanced, reasoned argument that should prevail where a fundamental change to basic law is being discussed. Instead the ‘debate’ was confined to personal, anecdotal and emotional soundbites to the exclusion of social, scientific, ethical or indeed legal considerations.
There was a cavalier disregard for the integrity of language. It was as if there was a fear that the proposal would not stand up to open rigorous intellectual analysis.
There may be nothing new in this tactic, but its spectacular success is likely only to encourage it. It is but a further manifestation in an all-round process of dumbing-down in public discourse that we have been witnessing most particularly in politics, education and the media over the past half century, a period which, ironically, saw the introduction of virtually universal second level schooling and wide participation at third level. Notwithstanding our supposedly raised standard of education, it seems that we are highly conditioned to be susceptible to the manipulation of the PR industry.
Not surprising considering the relentless onslaught of commercial interests in all areas of life. “Let her rip” capitalism and consumerism means nothing happens without sponsorship, and the “success” or “failure” of any undertaking is measured in terms of profit. Profit for the few.
Football ganseys are cluttered with the names of sponsors, every tournament is named after a commercial interest, and sports stadia, theatres, all kinds of public venues are named after large corporations.
“Wake-up call.” Where do we start to wake up?
Yours etc.,
Padraig O Conghaile,
Clonskeagh,
Dublin 14.