Confusing Labels Of Election Candidates
In my previous article about voting for the lesser evil, I received a lot of flak for using the phrase ‘Lesser Evil‘ to label a candidate of lesser bad reputation in the recently concluded mid-term election. I was thinking that my blog post got criticized because I failed to mention where I got the idea of using the phrase. For this, I wish to quote a Wikipedia entry about the phrase as follows:
“The lesser of two evils principle (or lesser evil principle) is the idea in politics and political science that of two bad choices, one is not as bad as the other and should therefore be chosen over the one that is the greater threat.”
I did try to explain my use of the ‘lesser evil’ label of a candidate in social media group discussions where I participate but some well-meaning discussants suggested that the more civil terms to use are the word ‘good’ instead of ‘evil’ and ‘greater’ in place of ‘lesser’ which when combined will give a voter the choice of a ‘Greater Good‘ instead of a ‘Lesser Evil’ in case the above-quoted principle applies to the situation.
I have nothing against the suggested change of terms to use. My only purpose in clarifying my use of the dreaded phrase is that it was just a literary style to conform with the heated atmosphere of the election campaign period. This brings me to the title of this blog post. What is confusing with the candidate labels as cited above? What if a voter chose the Greater Good who lost the election and another one voted for the Lesser Evil who won the election? Do we say, the Lesser Evil prevailed over the Greater Good? Don’t be serious, I’m just joking.
Well, each person has a certain “goodness” and “evilness” in their hearts. However, in politics, using the term “greater good” signifies more optimism, and using the term “lesser evil” can more often be used by the pessimist and persons who see more the dirt in the playing field. More often, “lesser evil” is preferred because let’s face it, there are more bad politicians than good.
Very well said. Thank you for the visit and the comment.
As they say words is like a sword, it cuts like a sword, can make or break a person, it is a force so we have to be careful in our choices of words, but in politics it was really hard not to use the word evil, and trying to find a better word as much as we can, something “bearable”. Before I also would like to think of that “lesser evil” bec we are left with no choice, but now trying to find the goodness in others, somehow look at the positive side., I think branding a person with greater or lesser evil give him/her more power by feeding the subconcious to be more evil. 🙂
Thanks for the visit and the comment. You said it right. I was almost tempted to make “The Lesser Evil Beats The Greater God” the title of this blog post to attract readers but that could be unsanctimonious on my part. 🙂
Hi Ed. I liked it how you introduced those insights and especially how you ended it with a bang. In any case, I hope that more citizens will tire of being fooled by a voting process which reduces us to acting like a nation of voting fools.
Greater Good is a better term as Lesser Evil has us resigned to the fact that we would be suffering because of our decision.
I only hope those who contested your using of idiomatic expression have also read this post to fully understand your point.
Hi Karen, thanks for the visit and the comment. I believe they have read this blog and understood my point. We actually belong to an FB Group where the members are netizens from our hometown. I usually post my new blog article in our group wall. The election incident I mentioned in the end of my article actually happened in our town.
I get your point Bro, and I agree with your choice of words. Lesser evil is better than Greater good. Why? this is my view, all politicians has is/her share of evil deeds. Sorry people but that is how I look at how our society works.
We have our own mind to think and we have our own judgment to make in every situation, in every topic. Words can really be appealing to some and may cause irritation to others. It’s just a matter of interpretation. If we say something bad, it’s criticism and if we say something good, it’s a praise but there are instances that we have to be TRUTHFUL and often times it really hurts.
I think your detractors tried to get the term you used out-of-context. Whether it’s lesser evil or greater good, the point is you tried to deliver a message to vote wisely. Apparently, no matter how most bloggers tried their best to get into the heart of the people to elect the “better” politicians, most of those who voted still remained fools from believing a lie.
I think “Greater Good” is a much, much better word. “Lesser Evil” sounds more realistic though. Hehe =)