"Overton Windows" - what is this theory?

Relatively recently, articles began to appear that set out the essence of one of the theories on the management of society. This methodology, named after the researcher who created it, is called the Overton Window. The theory fully and reasonably describes the ways of social and information management of people and the whole society, which in the last century are used by the Euro-Atlantic center of world power. The main purpose of such actions is dehumanization, corruption, depersonalization and humanization of all social strata of the population.

The essence of the theory

Window Overton - what is this method? This is a political theory that describes the boundaries of ideas that are possible for society to accept. The existing scope of possibilities is a kind of window.

This theory points to the political viability of an idea. It turns out that it is capable of winning the minds of people not at the will of any statesman. Any idea will be approved by the society only if it gets into the "window". At the same time, it will be on the list of those concepts that will be accepted by the people at this time. Subsequently, such ideas can be followed by politicians without fear of accusations of extremism or radicalism. The shift of this "window" occurs in the event of a change in public opinion and acceptance by the population of a particular politician.

History of appearance

American sociologist Joseph Overton, a window of opportunity for immoral and unacceptable phenomena, studied and presented to public opinion in 1990. During this period, he served as vice-president of the Center for Public Policy Mackinac Center.

"Window Overton" - what is this impact on the public opinion? This is not brainwashing at all, but a more refined technology. Effective it makes systemic consistent application, as well as the veiling of the victim of the fact of impact.

For example, mankind has already adopted a subculture of gays, as well as their right to adopt children, marry and promote their sexual orientation. At the same time, there are talks that all this is a natural course of things. However, this is not at all what convincingly proved to us by Joseph Overton in 1990. The author disclosed a whole technology that contributes to the destruction of public institutions, resulting in the legalization of immoral ideas. And in order to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to do just five steps, after 5 "Window Overton". At the same time, the society will first start condemning any idea that is unacceptable to it, translating it into the rank of relevant ones, and then reconcile with a new legislative act, in which the right to the existence of something that has not been imagined until quite recently will be fixed.

Consider "Window Overton" on the example of cannibalism. To date, the idea of legalizing the rights of citizens to eat each other is completely inconceivable. Propaganda of this phenomenon is impossible to deploy at the moment. The society will certainly protest this terrible action. However, if "Overton Windows" are used, what will it give to those who wish to promote this idea? According to the theory of the American sociologist, the solution of such a problem at the moment is at the zero stage, which is called "Unthinkable". The idea can be implemented only after passing through all the windows of opportunity windows. The way works without fail.

About this theory, which lays lies in the minds of people, popularly tells Nikita Mikhalkov in his creative program "Besogon." "Overton's windows", in his opinion, often turn out to be a screen of our TV, through which anything can be inserted into the mind of a person .

Technology

American sociologist describes the actions that allow to lead society to legalization of absolutely any idea. The technology of Window Overton is not offered by the author. He simply described the existing methods, the application of which leads to the desired result. In other words, Overton presents already working technology, which in its efficiency can exceed the thermonuclear discharge.

First step

The initial stage of such a theory as "Window Overton" - what is this step, what purpose does it pursue? In order to obtain the desired result, in the first stage:

- to eliminate taboos for discussion of this or that phenomenon;

- make the idea known to a wide range of members of society;

- lead to a routine discussion of this phenomenon;

- raise the idea to the status of an important universal theme.

To achieve this goal, this or that phenomenon is introduced into the information sphere as a radically challenging one. This position of the idea will attract the attention of society to it.

Then the spontaneous discussion of the topic will gradually move into an organized one. "Unthinkable" will gradually move to the area of "Radical". Invisible to society, this or that phenomenon, which is in the zone of prohibition, will be untwisted by information sources on a specific example. At the same time, a good goal at first sight is to find out if this is a terrible phenomenon and why it can not be done? Then comes the conclusion that some people do just that, and yet they are happy.

The cannibalism can quite "untwist" the theory of "Window Overton". In order to translate it from an unthinkable phenomenon into a radical one, an ethnological symposium can be assembled, which deals with a theme such as "Exotic Rites of the Polynesian Tribes". Here scientists will talk about the phenomenon of cannibalism in detail, which will be the initial movement of the theory called "Overton Windows". This stage, at which a revision of the existing public opinion is outlined, will allow changing the irreconcilable attitude to the positive. The goal of the first stage has been achieved. The topic was put into circulation and destroyed the taboo for its discussion.

This theory and in our country has its own vivid examples. "Window Overton" tried to move, asking a question in the media about the likelihood of surrendering Leningrad in order to avoid the death of a large number of people, as well as comparing the Olympic champion of Russia with an SS officer. These are typical cases of the first stage of this theory, when the topic is removed from the prohibition zone. If the society agrees to take such a step, then the remaining stages will pass automatically. Fortunately, the Russians did not discuss the topics suggested by them, considering them to be blasphemous.

Second phase

How does the Overton Window unfold? The theory considers the next stage of action as a transition from "Radical" to "Acceptable." Among the main goals of this stage is the substitution of previously forbidden concepts, in which previously terminated by the society terms are translated into emotionally neutral euphemisms. In this sinful phenomenon changes its original meaning. He is given the name, which gives a positive semantic color. In this case, information is given about any historical personality or events affecting in one way or another an unacceptable phenomenon. Such actions are not justified, but all the same parts of society are inspired by the idea that everyone has sins.

About how further the process of legalizing cannibalism would develop, it is also possible to give examples. "Window Overton" will continue its movement with the continuation of quoting scientists. This leads to the idea that someone who does not want to discuss this topic does not pursue knowledge. He can be recognized as a hypocrite or a hypocrite. In parallel, cannibalism should be given some elegant name. This moment is very important for the legalization of an unthinkable idea. As a result, cannibalism no longer exists. There are, for example, anthropophagy. If this definition is soon considered offensive, it will quickly be replaced by another.

The purpose of inventing new terms is to avoid the essence of the problem and its designation. At the same time, the form is detached from the word and its content, which deprives ideological opponents of weighty arguments.

Simultaneously with playing the names, a precedent is created. The light is pulled out mythological, historical, actual or simply invented case, which must necessarily be legitimized. It will be found as an indispensable "proof" of the fact that in principle anthropophagy can be legitimized. For example, you can remember the legend of a mother who, in saving her children from thirst, gave them their own blood. And the ancient gods! They generally ate everything. The Romans considered this phenomenon to be normal and natural! In making such arguments, the authors of bacchanalia aim to present cannibalism as criminally impenetrable. Let it was only once and at some particular historical moment.

The third stage

The psychology of "Window Overton" at this stage is aimed at:

- approval of the idea of the natural and natural character of the phenomenon under discussion;

- elimination of the attitude to the discussed topic as absolutely unacceptable.

At this stage, there is a transition from "Acceptable" to "Reasonable". The problem, being previously integral, is divided into many species. Some of them are terrible, and the latter are quite acceptable and nice. At the same time, the society is presented with a lot of different points of view on each of the kinds of problems that are expressed by quite respectable members of it.

At this stage, the movement "Window Overton" in relation to cannibalism can be presented simultaneously with the appearance in the media of such statements:

- Anthropophiles provoked;

- the desire to be a cannibal is inherent in a person by nature;

- the forbidden fruit is especially sweet, etc.

In this case, an artificial battlefield is created in the public consciousness. Normal people, not indifferent to the raised problem, there and then receive the status of radical haters. Simultaneously, journalists and scientists prove to the whole society that humanity throughout the history of its existence from time to time fed each other, and that this is quite normal phenomenon.

Fourth stage

The purpose of this step of the "Window Overton" movement is the translation of the problem from the "Reasonable" stage to the "Popular" area. At this stage:

- information on the mass nature of the phenomenon under discussion is disseminated;

- the idea of a real presence of this problem is being introduced into the public consciousness ;

- specific examples are given with known persons who do not cause rejection among the population.

Thus, the fourth stage is distinguished by the creation of popularity of the phenomenon under consideration. In this case, statistics are put into play. The media cites figures about the growing popularity of the idea, while talking about those people who are involved in this phenomenon, and at the same time are attractive not only in their behavior, but also in appearance.

And how can cannibalism be popularized? Anthropophagy will be massively introduced into talk shows and news. People will begin to eat in movies of wide distribution, in video clips and sing songs performed by singers. In this case, you can apply one of the methods of popularization, which is called "Look around". The media will provide information on the belonging to the anthropophagies of a well-known composer or director, as well as information on the finding of millions of fellow cannibals in psychiatric hospitals.

At this stage, the topic being developed will be published in the TOP and will start spontaneous in politics, half business, etc. In order to justify supporters of the legalization of this horrifying idea, criminals will be humanized. They will be given a positive image, after finding the necessary traits of character. About such people can say that they are creative personalities, that they have an increased IQ, etc.

Fifth stage

At this step, the problem is transferred from the "Popular" stage to the "Political" sphere. The following objectives are pursued:

- the transfer of the phenomenon to the political channel;

- Declaring the denial of this idea as a violation of human rights;

- the introduction into the minds of people of a negative attitude towards the negation of the phenomenon under consideration.

The movement of Window Overton at this stage becomes possible as a result of carrying out numerous social surveys, as a result of which the phenomenon will be interpreted as socio-political. At the same time, the previously unacceptable idea starts to be included in the agenda of the discussion of issues requiring a political or legal settlement. At the same time, the essence of the problem will be presented to society as a necessity to protect the "minority" that is under threat.

At the last stage of the movement "Window Overton" is preparing a legislative framework. At this moment the society is already defeated. Only the most advanced part of it will a little resist the erection of the status of the law of things that have been recently unthinkable. However, society as a whole is already broken and according to its defeat.

Consequences of technology

As a result of the passage of all five stages of the theory called "Window Overton", humanity loses its inner harmony. Instead of it, only internal tensions and disputes remain. The one who implants this technology does not aim to make everyone happy. The movement of the "window" is made to obtain the necessary vector in the development of society. People at the same time begin to lose touch with their culture and roots. They become vulnerable and callous. An example of this may be a high level of suicide, which is observed in developed countries. That's why we can say that all of the above is a real technology of destruction. "Window Overton" deprives people of humanity, leading them to death.

Confrontation

To resist the influence of false ideas can be with a refusal to be everywhere and always "normal". Only by retaining our own individuality, we will not allow to give control over ourselves into the wrong hands. Do not fall under the massive manipulation of society will allow customs, customs and culture of the ancestors, which it must carefully store and protect. These eternal values will preserve the individuality and every person. In this case, it is not necessary to follow the long-gone traditions. It's enough to respect and keep them. And it is worth remembering that the technology described by Overton is most easily applied in a tolerant society where there are no ideals, there is no clear distinction between evil and good.