<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A well known political axiom is that “perception is reality.” If the mob perceives a witch, there is a witch, regardless of common sense, logic, or reality. But how can that be in a sophisticated world? How can advertisement-savvy consumers be so easily fooled in the political arena? They aren’t… Perception is reality in politics because people tacitly want it to be. A philanderer is only a bad thing if people don't like the unfaithful person; sexism is only career-ending if it serves some ulterior motive; dishonestly will only be a millstone around the necks of people who can't deliver on their promises.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Perception is not some psychological mystery no one understands, it's the exact opposite, we understand it too well, and exploitation of perception is the stock-in-trade of pontificators everywhere. For example, it's uncouth to openly admit one’s greed, resentment, petty banalities & self-interests, but if those base instincts can be hidden behind a facade of respectability then their manifestation can be fully realized. If a clever political orator provides intellectual or moral cover for people to hide their unsavory proclivities, then that leader can command a mob to unspeakable social horrors, and no one has to admit their complicity. These leaders don't get followers because they fooled them, anything but, the followers were simply waiting for a leader that empowered them by giving they perceptual camouflage.</p>
