Populism

Populism is a movement begun in the mid-1890s by farmers and other rural residents at the time. It quickly gained strength and has undergone many changes since then. It has not only changed in its views, but also in the political parties who utilize it not as an ideology but rather as a mode of persuasion. Populism is defined in the book as a language whose speakers see the people as one and not …

…democracy today. However, I believe that put to use in the appropriate manner is the only way in which it can be utilized and exercised for the overall good of the "average people" it claims to defend. In essence the responsibility to not abuse of populism falls upon those who choose to use it as their tool of persuasion - politicians. It becomes comfortable and convenient to capitalize on populism's persuasive characteristics to gain votes.