Throughout history, dictators have skillfully employed rhetoric as a tool to capture and consolidate power, as well as to perpetrate horrific acts of genocide. By leveraging rhetorical devices, these leaders have effectively manipulated emotions, suppressed dissent, and maintained control over their nations.
In this article, we will explore the cult of personality, scapegoating and otherization rhetorical devices as used by dictators such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini. We will also briefly look at some recent dictators in South America and Africa.
Cult of Personality
Dictators often cultivate a cult-like following by fostering an intense devotion to their personality, equating their leadership with the nation's well-being. Here are some examples:
Adolf Hitler
Hitler employed the "cult of personality" by positioning himself as the embodiment of the German nation. He utilized grand public spectacles and speeches to captivate audiences and create an almost religious fervor around his leadership.
Here are some quotes from Hitler's speeches that highlight his efforts to cultivate a cult of personality.
In a speech on February 15, 1939, Hitler emphasized his leadership role and the connection between himself and the German people, stating: "National Socialism has bound our people together in one great community... It has given us a leader, Adolf Hitler, whose genius guides and inspires us."
During a speech on November 8, 1942, Hitler addressed his followers and emphasized his unique position as the driving force behind the Nazi regime, stating: "I alone bear the responsibility. I alone have led our people to this point... The German people have placed their trust in me, and I will lead them to victory."
In a speech on September 1, 1939, as he announced the invasion of Poland, Hitler potrayed himself as the sole decision-maker and the driving force behind Germany's actions, stating: "I, as Fuhrer and Chancellor, have the final say... I bear the responsibility, but also the authority, to act in the best interests of our nation."
Benito Mussolini:
Mussolini similarly built a cult of personality by presenting himself as the savior of Italy. He used imagery, such as the fascist salute and his distinctive uniform, to project strength and charisma. He utilized the technique of "glorification" to promote himself as a heroic figure. His speeches and propaganda celebrated Italian nationalism, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty among the populace.
Joseph Stalin:
In a speech on November 24, 1935, Stalin emphasized his role as the embodiment of the Communist Party and the Soviet people, stating: "Comrades! We are the Party of Lenin, and we have Stalin! Stalin is the embodiment of the Party, the embodiment of its will, its honor, and its glory."
Kim Il-sung:
In a speech on April 14, 1974, Kim Il-sung portrayed himself as the eternal leader of North Korea, declaring: "The great leader Comrade Kim Il-sung is the sun of our nation. He is our eternal President, guiding us with his wisdom and love, illuminating our path to socialism and victory."
Mao Zedong
In a speech on September 8, 1945, Mao Zedong emphasized his role as the central figure in the Chinese Communist Party, stating: "The Chinese people have stood up! The Communist Party, with Comrade Mao Zedong at the helm, is the vanguard of the people's revolution, leading us towards a brighter future."
Fidel Castro
In a speech on April 16, 1961, Castro emphasized his role as the revolutionary leader of Cuba, stating: "I am not just a single individual; I am the people, I am the revolution. I carry the dreams and aspirations of every Cuban, and together, we will build a socialist society."
Scapegoating and Othering
Scapegoating and othering are psychological and social processes often employed by individuals or groups to assign blame, create divisions, and promote hostility towards a particular target or "other" in society. They are persuasive rhetorical devices. Here's a brief explanation of each concept:
Scapegoating: It involves unfairly blaming a specific person, group, or entity for problems, difficulties, or societal issues. The scapegoat is often singled out and held responsible, whether or not they are actually responsible for the perceived problem. By directing blame towards the scapegoat, individuals or groups seek to divert attention from other underlying causes or to consolidate power and maintain control. Scapegoating can lead to the demonization, marginalization, and even persecution of the targeted individuals or groups.
Othering: Othering is the process of perceiving and treating individuals or groups as fundamentally different, inferior, or alien to one's own identity or in-group. It involves creating a sense of "us versus them" by emphasizing perceived differences and constructing stereotypes and prejudices. Othering can be based on various characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, nationality, or social status. By portraying the "other" as a threat or enemy, individuals or groups attempt to reinforce their own identity, foster a sense of unity among their supporters, and justify discrimination or hostile actions against the targeted group.
Both scapegoating and othering are harmful practices that can fuel prejudice, intolerance, and division within societies. They are often employed by individuals in positions of power, including dictators, to manipulate public opinion, consolidate their authority, and maintain control over the population. Recognizing and challenging these tactics is crucial for promoting understanding, empathy, and unity among diverse groups and combating discrimination and injustice.
Here are some examples of scapegoating and othering used by Dictators of the past.
Adolf Hitler:
Speech: Adolf Hitler's speech at the Nuremberg Rally on September 13, 1936.
In this speech, Hitler scapegoated the Jewish population, blaming them for Germany's economic struggles. He portrayed Jews as a threat to the nation and emphasized the need to eliminate their influence for the supposed betterment of Germany.
Speech: Adolf Hitler's speech at the Reichstag on January 30, 1939.
Hitler targeted the Polish population in this speech, accusing them of mistreating ethnic Germans living in Poland. He used this as a justification for aggressive actions against Poland, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War II.
Joseph Stalin:
Speech: Joseph Stalin's speech at the Central Committee Plenum on January 7, 1938.
Stalin targeted "enemies of the people" in this speech, labeling them as traitors and saboteurs. By othering specific individuals and groups, Stalin sought to consolidate his power and suppress dissent within the Soviet Union.
Speech: Joseph Stalin's speech at the Extraordinary Eighth Party Congress on March 14, 1939.
Stalin utilized scapegoating and othering in this speech by accusing former party members and high-ranking officials of anti-Soviet activities and treason. By creating an "us versus them" narrative, he aimed to maintain control and eliminate perceived threats.
Saddam Hussein:
Speech: Saddam Hussein's speech on December 5, 1986.
Hussein scapegoated the Kurdish population in this speech, accusing them of being involved in conspiracies against Iraq. He targeted them as a threat to the nation's unity and stability, justifying the brutal crackdown on the Kurdish population during his regime.
Speech: Saddam Hussein's speech on April 9, 2003.
Prior to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Hussein othered the international coalition opposing his regime. He portrayed them as imperialist invaders and claimed that Iraq was defending itself against foreign aggression, rallying his supporters and attempting to garner international sympathy.