The Romanian political scene is dominated by the vocal supporters of the two finalists, who are in an open confrontation. Sociologist Gelu Sunday warns, however, that although they seem to have confiscated the political discourse, they will not decide the elections.
Sociologist Gelu Sunday. Photo: personal archive.
Before a few days before the final of the presidential elections, the Romanians seem to have been divided into two conflict camps, who have given up each other.
Each candidate has its own radicalized fans
Visible in the public space, called “fanatics”, “radicalized” or “extremists”, the most vocal supporters of the candidates Nicușor Dan and George Simion will not be able to decide the fate of the elections.
Their messages often arouse controversy, because they are noted for the attacks and insults to the political opponents and their supporters, but they are not necessarily as many as you might think, says the sociologist Gelu Sunday.
According to the specialist, although they are often ignored or excluded from dialogue because they are not found in radicalism and labels launched by extreme camps, millions of Romanians who, although they have not already formed an opinion about candidates, but can be receptive to arguments, will represent the key to the election.
“We have, let’s say, the extremists, pros or cons. And, in the middle, we also have ambivalent people: those who are on both sides of the vote, say so, at the moment, but who have what can be called the doubt, doubt. For example, I am Pro Simion or Pro Nicușor Dan, but not to listen to the level, but not to listen to The counteraums of others and, if necessary, change their vote. ambivalents on both sides ”, says Gelu on Sunday.
Radicalized Romanians, hard to convince
Two thirds of the voters already have a clearly formed opinion, and for them, any new message is, most of the time, useless, adds the specialist.
“The extremes are the ones who offer the labels in the public space:” Sovereign! “,” Elgibitist! “,” Analphabed! “,” Will you want to wear a skirt? “. The ambivalents, on the other hand, are now on the edge and, in a way, they do not express themselves too much. I look. They are undecided. But they need rational and empathetic arguments. Not by Dihonie. Because they did not vote or have not decided precisely because they experience Lehamite on both sides. I’m tired over the head. Not feel represented. This “pantry” we have does not represent “says Gelu Sunday.
The ambivalents are the Romanians who need to understand their frustrations, positions and values, “Do not be transformed into labels, such as” sovereigns “,” LGBT-Iști “-to use the most common and sharp labels of the moment”completes the sociologist.
Gelu Sunday claims that the millions of Romanians who stand before making a final decision could be convinced by a more moderate speech, which leaves room for listening, empathy and solid arguments.
The accusative discourse cannot mobilize the indecisive Romanians
The accusation of Romanians who support a certain candidate will not influence them to change their vote, believes Gelu on Sunday.
“What you do not like, another does not do. In sociological and religious theory, it is called” The Golden Rule ” (no golden rule). How beautiful this world would be if we offer the other what we would like to receive. Some of us ask for freedom of expression, but we do not offer it to those who think differently. Some of us demand that our arguments be heard, but we do not listen to others just because they are different from ours. This is not the application of the principle, but a perversion of it in a form of superiority. On both sides. What we need now is more respect. Humanity. Empathy. But everything must be based on the idea that we are all equal and that it is the right to vote what represents it best ”, says the sociologist.
According to the sociologist, these people, who can change their opinions, need other types of arguments, rational, based on as little antagonization.
“They will be told:> When you tell him:> … and you start to insult it because they compare two options, then you lost it.”shows Gelu on Sunday.
After the elections, in the first phase, no matter who wins, we will see exuberance on one side and upset. However, the sociologist recalls, the elections should not just mean a discharge of his own emotions.
“We what we will decide on 18 is not just an emotional discharge. It’s not just a moment of cooling. It is the future of our children – in our own way. We must look at the behavior of the candidates and decide in what kind of country we want to raise these children,” he says.
