Populism And Elitism

The recent elections re-introduced into our political vocabulary two words that captured my attention. The same two words are being used in Europe as many countries approach national elections in 2017: Populism and Elitism.

I thought that would devote this blog to both hoping to shed some light on the subject and perhaps more clarity in our political jargon.

Defining Populism

It has many definitions. It has been used loosely as a label for movements that are hard to classify as right, left, or center.

Scholars define populism as an ideology that “pits a virtuous and homogeneous people against a set of elites and other dangerous “others” who are depicted as depriving (or attempting to deprive) the sovereign people of their rights, values, prosperity, identity, and voice”.

In the U.S. populism has generally been associated with progressives, such as Bernie Sanders and his followers, whereas in European countries, populism has been associated with conservatives. 

Some reject this typology and declare that populism is transversal (supporters come from different political parties). I, for one, buy into this understanding.

Why? Using the results of the last election as an example, people from the entire political spectrum supported Trump, the populist, e.g., liberal democrats such as blue collar union workers, conservative evangelicals, and middle of the roader independents.

Populism is largely a democratic and positive force for change.

A Little History

Populism has historical roots as government by the masses. It was used by Romans to fight plutocracy, aristocracy, or any government perceived to be dominated by a small and privileged class.

During the Reformation, Protestant groups rebelled against the idea that only the clergy could read the bible. Puritans and Levellers in England had similar ideas with respect to conflict between peasants and landowners. The French Revolution, although led by wealthy intellectuals, was a populist movement against the excesses and privileges of the ruling class.  The American Revolution to a great extent was a rebellion against despotic rule by a faraway King.

His socialist and populist message aided Mussolini’s rise in Italy. In recent years, tycoon Silvio Berlusconi won the elections in Italy through media control. Currently, the Lega Nord and the Five Star movements advocate a federal system and direct democracy respectively.

The Brexit referendum in the UK was an act of populism. People who supported leaving the EU came from the entire political spectrum. Politicians who opposed the referendum are now trying to implement it. Northern Ireland, Scotland and London City are not in favor of the exit and are trying to stay connected to Europe in some form or another.

Populism has been an important phenomenon in Latin America as well. Charismatic leaders such as Peron in Argentina, Goulart in Brazil, Castro in Cuba, and Chavez in Venezuela have started grass root movements initially designed to improve the standard of living of the lower classes, and to fight imperialism. The driving force has been primarily economic with an ideological edge.

Defining Elitism

It is the belief or attitude that individuals with a certain ancestry, wealth, university degree, or other distinctive attributes have more influence or authority than others. Their views have more weight. Elites are perceived to feel that they are more fit to govern.

Another way to look at the elites is by examining how power is concentrated among a small group of people. Elites tend to view egalitarianism, populism, and pluralism as utopian, and therefore, unrealistic.

With elitism come privileges as well as responsibilities. With elitism come social class and social stratification. Members of the upper class are often seen as elites. Members of a group claiming to have high abilities or simply as an in-group grant themselves extra privileges at the expense of others. This form of elitism is called discrimination. Academia is well known as a group of elites enjoying special privileges and benefits.

My Viewpoint about Elitism

Elitism can blind people. Trump’s election is an example. The professional elites looked down and used deprecating terms when describing less educated folks, discounting their ability to make sound voting judgments. By painting Trump as a bumpkin, elites managed to offend voters who, like Trump, lacked affiliation with the in-group of the sophisticated, PC correct, who did not ascribe to the progressives agenda.

As an immigrant who worked his way up from the ranks, I watched and listened to my fellow blue-collar, dirty fingernail brethren, as I was getting acquainted with America. I recall vividly the pejorative terms blue-collar workers had for college graduates and other “professionals”. While serving in the US military as a lowly private, I remember that non-commissioned officers held newly commissioned second lieutenants in low esteem for their lack of experience.

Elites’ blind spot prevents them from seeing blue-collar workers' visceral dislike for professionals in general and their admiration of rich people because they too would like to be one.  Many, if not all, elites see the rich through color-shaded eyes. They resent their wealth as being ill gotten or just inherited. Because of their academic achievement, elites feel that they are better prepared and perhaps more entitled to govern.

Although I can legitimately include myself in several elite groupings, I dislike the term. Why? I have never liked people who see themselves as being superior to others. I am also biased against anyone whom I perceive to be arrogant. I was taught that humility is a virtue, not a sin. If we dig deep enough, most, if not all, will find that our origins are quite humble.

My Viewpoint about Populism

Populism is a reactionary change method. It is usually fueled by anger toward the ruling class and fury against the status quo. It is triggered by what people perceive as double talk, corruption, and manipulation by the ruling class.

In a two-party system, we are engaged in what is called the wide-pendulum swing. Every eight years, by and large, the pendulum swings in the opposite direction, only to suffer the same fate eight years later. When completing the two alternative cycles, voters are confronted with a zero-sum result.

Voters booted the Republicans in 2008 and elected a Democrat president for two terms with control of both houses for two years in order to right what they said was a dismal state of affairs created by the Bush administration.

Flash-forward to 2016 and what do we have?

Record people on welfare, lowest worker participation in history, stagnant wages, diminished manufacturing base, double national debt, our men and women fighting in the Middle East, a half baked healthcare system, social injustice, and rising inequality. 

Democrats blame the Republicans for stymying President Obama's initiatives from the start. Republicans point out that the President controlled both houses of Congress during his initial two years. 

Many voters had to choose in the 2016 elections between more of the same or blow the whole system up. They chose the latter.

A populist showed up to lead the parade of the disaffected. It has been said that often leadership is finding a parade and getting in front. That is how Trump might have captured the nomination! He tapped into the rising discontent of the working class, independents, and loyal republicans.