Dog-whistle statements are ambiguous or coded messages designed to convey one meaning to a general audience while communicating a different, often controversial or hidden, message to a specific subgroup. The term "dog-whistle" draws from the idea of a dog whistle that produces sound within a frequency range that only dogs can hear.
Similarly, dog-whistle statements are designed to resonate in different ways depending on the audience's background, beliefs, and level of awareness. These statements are often used in political or social contexts to subtly signal support for specific ideologies, prejudices, or policies without triggering widespread backlash or scrutiny.
For example, a politician might use terms or phrases that seem innocuous to most people but carry specific connotations for certain groups. This allows the speaker to maintain plausible deniability while connecting with and signaling to their targeted audience.
Define dog-whistle statements
1 answer