Overton Window
People who read books and are curious already know this, but others and especially the younger generation have no idea how their brain is washed. Similar method is already used almost everywhere, but mostly in large corporations.
Overton window is a political concept that describes how the public’s opinion on a subject can be changed. It states that ideas that were previously considered preposterous can become accepted in the long run.
According to this concept, not even taboo subjects are free of its effects. The general opinion that society has on issues such as incest, pedophilia, or cannibalism could radically change. For this to happen, it’s not necessary to brainwash or implement a dictatorial regime but to develop a series of advanced techniques whose implementation would go unnoticed by society.
Origins of the Overton window concept
Joseph Overton studied this concept. He observed that for each area of public management, the public accepted only a narrow range of potential policies. These policies don’t change when politicians change their minds. Society chooses them.
Joseph Overton developed a vertical model of policies ranging from “the freest” at the top of the spectrum to “the least free” at the bottom. This is related to government intervention in which acceptable policies are framed in a window that can move within this axis.
Stages:
Stage 1: From the unthinkable to the radical
In the first stage, cannibalism is in the lowest acceptance level in the Overton window. Society considers it immoral. It’s considered disgusting and preposterous. At this point, the window is closed and unmoving.
To begin changing public opinion, scientists start studying it. For scientists, there shouldn’t be any taboo subjects. Thus, the scientific community starts analyzing the traditions and rituals of some tribes.
Stage 2: From the radical to the acceptable
After stage 1, the idea has gone from being unthinkable to being discussed. In the second stage, people begin to accept the idea. With scientists’ conclusions, society views those who refuse to acquire knowledge about the subject intransigent.
Those who oppose such ideas are increasingly portrayed as extremists who reject scientific progress. The intolerant individuals are publicly criticized as the concept sheds its negative connotations. Even the term “cannibalism” could potentially be substituted with something more socially acceptable, such as anthropophagy. Gradually, the media works to normalize and legitimize the consumption of human flesh.
Stage 3: From the acceptable to the sensible
The consumption of human flesh becomes a common right. The idea is now sensible. Meanwhile, those who continue to oppose the idea will continue to be criticized. These people would be considered radicals who are against a fundamental right.
On the other hand, the scientific community and the media insists that there are many cases of cannibalism in human history.
Stage 4: From the sensible to the popular
Now, cannibalism becomes a favorite topic. The idea begins to appear in movies and television series as something positive. At the same time, historical figures related to these practices receive praise. The phenomenon becomes increasingly multitudinous and continues to reinforce its positive image.
Stage 5: From the popular to the political
The Overton window, which was closed at the beginning, has been opened wide. In this last stage, the legislative machinery that will legalize the phenomenon begins to prepare itself. Cannibalism supporters consolidate in politics and begin to seek more power and representation.
Thus, an idea that was first considered unthinkable and immoral has come to be established in the collective consciousness as a right. This happened through a concept that can change the public’s perception of any idea, however crazy it may be.
“Overton window” is used in almost all corporation around the world. This is a slow process , that’s why many people can’t notice of peoples
Overton window examples
Presently, numerous IT companies worldwide are adopting this model to increase their profits. Gradually, they are modifying the working structure solely for their financial benefit, disregarding your health and success as a blogger. They prioritize the profits you can generate for them, showing no interest in who you are as an individual. The human aspect is no longer considered important. Like a frog being gradually boiled as water heats up, you may not realize the negative effects until it’s too late. Don’t allow yourself to become like boiled frogs!
Be smart !
