Dog whistle of the year!
‘This Is A Lynching Anthem!’ Black Lawmaker Rips Aldean Song As CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Points Out Video Filmed at Lynching Site
CNN Coverage
A “dog whistle” is a metaphorical term used to describe a type of communication that appears innocuous or benign on the surface but carries hidden or coded messages intended to be understood by a specific target audience. It is often used in politics, media, and public discourse to communicate ideas, values, or ideologies to a particular group while remaining obscure or unnoticed by the general public.
The term “dog whistle” originates from the idea that some high-pitched sounds, known as dog whistles, are beyond the range of human hearing but can be heard by dogs. Similarly, the hidden messages in a dog whistle communication are intended to be heard and understood only by the target group, while others might not be aware of the intended meaning.
The purpose of using a dog whistle is often to appeal to a particular subgroup’s interests or beliefs without overtly stating them. It can be a way to communicate controversial, divisive, or discriminatory ideas without facing direct criticism or backlash from the broader public.
In recent times, the term “dog whistle” has been more widely used to describe political messaging that indirectly targets specific racial, ethnic, or ideological groups without explicitly mentioning them. Critics argue that the use of dog whistles can perpetuate polarization and contribute to social divisions. However, it is essential to be cautious when identifying dog whistles, as sometimes interpretations can be subjective, and not every subtle message is necessarily a dog whistle.