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Many people hardly ever see a politician as a person anymore. Instead, a politician is a shadow they watch on television, not knowing whether he is speaking impromptu or reading a text written for him by anonymous advisers or experts from a screen hidden behind the cameras. Citizens no longer perceive their politician as a living human being, for they never have and will never see him that way. They see only his image, created for them by TV, radio and newspaper commentators.

Vaclav Havel#84

PoliticsMediaCitizensDehumanizationImagePerceptionTelevision

About this quote

What does it mean?
Citizens often see politicians only as media images, not as living humans. This disconnect prevents perceiving them as real people behind the screen.
In plain terms
People see politicians as TV images rather than real human beings.
What can you take from it?
Media creates a barrier between citizens and the humanity of politicians.

Where it applies

  • political communication
  • media criticism
  • civic engagement

Putting it to work

  • seek direct engagement
  • critique media images
  • humanize leaders

Questions to consider

  • Do you see politicians as people?
  • How does media change view?

Another view

It overlooks that media can also amplify marginalized voices.

More from Vaclav Havel

  1. I also appeal to those who have already done most of their work for society. I hope that the changes you awaited or worked for for so long will bring joy and s…

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  2. It also happens, rather often, that politicians do not actually talk to each other but only to one another's shadows as they appear in the media.

    Permalink to quote #85
  3. I appeal to all pupils, students and young people, asking you to focus on the horizons that are opening up for you, and which you could only dream of a year ag…

    Permalink to quote #82

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