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Episode 220: The Power of Thought-Terminating Bad Guy Labels

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Apr 30, 2025
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INSIGHT

The Power of Bad Guy Labels

  • Bad guy labels like extremist or illegal alien prime audiences for harsh state violence without clear definitions.
  • These terms foreclose critical thinking and dehumanize targets, removing them from due process and moral consideration.
INSIGHT

The Racialized Roots of "Illegal Alien"

  • The term "illegal alien" shifted from describing an action to defining people, starting in early 1900s media.
  • This label was weaponized to scapegoat immigrants during economic crises and to racialize immigration control.
INSIGHT

The Vagueness and Harm of "Gang Member"

  • "Gang member" labels evoke menace without proof and are often used to justify police violence.
  • Media sensationalism has associated many with gangs unjustly, affecting reputations and public perception.
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