Self-test
This activity aims in aiding you to implement strategies for resisting populist rhetoric.
Scenario
You are a concerned resident of a country where populist rhetoric is spreading. People in the community are becoming increasingly divided. This raises the need to use effective strategies to stop populism from spreading. For doing so, you need to investigate several tactics for resisting populist discourse.
Instructions
Self-reflect by choosing the options that you are more likely to follow in each situation. Please note the letter of your chosen answer!
1 – Dealing with information
A: Rely on unverified websites and social media platforms for information because they offer rapid and easy access to stuff.
B: Assume that the information you receive is always true and disregard the value of obtaining information from several trustworthy sources.
C: Attend media literacy and critical thinking classes or seminars to develop the abilities necessary to navigate through disinformation and identify deceptive discourse.
2 – Engaging in dialogue
A: Dismiss the views of individuals who adhere to alternative beliefs in order to avoid conflict.
B: Avoid potential disputes or awkward talks by associating primarily with people who share your viewpoints.
C: Seek out people who hold opposing viewpoints and interact with them in a respectful and receptive manner to better understand them.
3 – Taking stance towards democratic institutions
A: Assist independent news organisations, non-profit groups, and individuals who come forward with information to promote openness and accountability in government.
B: Ignore attacks on democratic institutions, expecting that they would resist populist challenges of their own volition.
C: Neglect the value of democratic institutions and see them as barriers to the public’s will.
4 – What about civic education?
A: Neglect the importance of democratic rights and obligations because you think they limit one’s own freedom.
B: Encourage the inclusion of comprehensive civic education in school curricula to give learners the knowledge of democratic principles and procedures. (1 point)
C: Ignore civic education’s value, assuming that it has no effect on the emergence of an informed citizenry.
Evaluation
Now add up the points of all your answers and read the corresponding evaluation below:
| Topic | A | B | C |
| 1 – Dealing with information | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 – Engaging in dialogue | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 – Taking stance towards democratic institutions | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 – What about civic education? | 3 | 1 | 2 |
5 or less points:Congratulations! You have effectively demonstrated a clear understanding of strategies for resisting populist rhetoric and promoting democratic resilience.
6 to 9 points: Nice work! Your choices have potential, but they can be improved by being more in line with the aforementioned strategies.
10 or more points: Keep practicing! Your understanding of strategies needs to be significantly improved if you want to successfully resist populist rhetoric, counter its influence and encourage democratic resilience.