On the quiet majority
We saw it happen with Brexit. The metropolitan bubble could not believe their eyes when they saw that the United Kingdom had voted in favour of exiting the European Union. It could never have happened, could it? It surely won't go through, will it?
This disbelief exemplifies something which I believe many people in the general public seem to forget: there is always a large number of people who either keep their views to themselves and don't talk shop, or keep their views to themselves but express another out loud. I call these the quiet majority. Not silent, but quiet.
The reasons for this quietness are multifaceted. Perhaps it's because they do not feel heard or recognised by the wider state of affairs. Maybe it's because they are afraid of the response to their opinions. Or perhaps it's simply that they are private people and so do not wish to discuss politics.
This phenomenon was made all the more apparent whilst visiting the United States and crossing the quiet, mostly empty backwaters of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Over the course of several weeks, I saw but a handful of Kamala Harris signs and flags. Trump, on the other hand, was stamped on people's front lawns at an alarming frequency.
Now there are two possible schools of thought here. Either:
- The quiet majority of these areas are Harris supporters; or
- These areas of predominantly Trump supporters are the quiet majority of the country
It is really as a result of the much louder underdogs that we experience this quiet majority. Those who have time on their hands to write blog posts like this one, or go on Twitter tirades (X just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?). They either oppress those with opposing opinions, or simply drown out their voices.
It's crucial to distinguish this concept of a "quiet majority" from the more familiar notion of a "silent majority". The latter, popularised by U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1969,1 referred to a supposed large group whose silence indicated tacit agreement with certain political positions. In contrast, the "quiet majority" proposed here differs in several key aspects:
- They may engage in politics, but less visibly - voting regularly, following political news, or discussing politics privately.
- Their quietness stems from various reasons, including fear of social repercussions, distrust in the political system, or a preference for privacy.
- Unlike the assumed uniformity of the "silent majority", the "quiet majority" likely encompasses diverse political opinions.
- While not vocal, the "quiet majority" may occasionally reveal their presence through surprising election outcomes or policy shifts.
The concept of the quiet majority challenges our understanding of public opinion and political discourse. Traditional polling methods and social media analyses may fail to capture the true sentiments of this group, leading to skewed perceptions of the political landscape. This was evident in the Brexit vote and has been seen in various elections across Western democracies.
Moreover, the existence of a quiet majority raises important questions about the nature of our democratic processes. How can we ensure that all voices are heard and represented when a significant portion of the populace chooses not to engage openly in political discourse? Are our current methods of gauging public opinion sufficient, or do we need new approaches to understand the full spectrum of political thought?
The implications of this quiet majority extend beyond election outcomes. They affect policy-making, media coverage, and the very fabric of our political debates. By acknowledging the existence of this group, we may need to reassess our assumptions about public opinion and reconsider how we approach political engagement and communication.
As we approach the 2024 US presidential elections, the role of the quiet majority becomes increasingly pertinent. Will the quiet rural streets of America prevail? Or will the voices of the liberal coast dwellers reign supreme? More importantly, how can we create a political environment where all feel comfortable expressing their views, thus enriching our democratic discourse?
In conclusion, recognising and understanding the quiet majority is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend modern political dynamics. It serves as a reminder that democracy is often messier and more complex than it appears on the surface. As we navigate increasingly polarised political landscapes, we must remain cognisant of the voices we might not be hearing – for they may well be the ones that ultimately decide our collective future.