THE OVERTON WINDOW

Joseph Paul Overton (04.01.1960-30.06.2003) was an American political scientist and senior vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He is best known for his work in the mid-1990s by the development of an idea that has since then become known as the Overton Window.

The Overton window is a political concept that describes how public opinion on an issue can be changed. It states that ideas previously considered as ridiculous or objectionable can be accepted in the long run.

According to this concept, even taboo topics are not immune. Society's general opinion of pedophilia, rape or cannibalism could change radically in this way rather quickly.

For this to happen, it is not at all necessary to implement a dictatorial regime or brainwash the entire population, but only to develop a series of advanced techniques whose implementation in the society passes unnoticed.

THE PHASES :

For a good understanding, we will take the example of insect eating, but you can replace this with any other objectionable topic such as human blood drinking, cannibalism, pedophilia, etc.... Even so by vaccines.

Phase 1 : from unthinkable to radical

In the first phase of the Overton window, eating insects is in the lowest level of acceptance. Society considers it as immoral. It is considered disgusting and absurd. At this point, the window is closed and uneventful.

To change public opinion, scientists funded by interested lobby groups supposedly begin to study the matter and make comparisons with Asian and African countries' food patterns, traditions and rituals.

Phase 2 : from radical to acceptable

In phase 2, the idea evolves from unthinkable to negotiable.

Through the conclusions of corrupt science, society begins to see those who oppose to the idea of eating insects as narrow-minded and fanatical. They let science, the media and famous celebrities convince them that insects are high in protein, tasty, healthy and nutritious. Eating insects turns from acceptable to respectable. Good for the planet.

Stage 3 : from acceptable to smart

As the idea loses its negative connotation, intolerant people are increasingly socially condemned. In Stage 3, insect consumption becomes socially accepted as a smart choice. Social criticism against those who continue to resist increases. They are considered radicals who oppose to a fundamental right.

Phase 4 : from smart to popular

Eating insects now becomes a favorite topic of conversation and is on the menu for many. Movies, videos, TV series and TV shows are all about insects. The public is completely conditioned. Eating insects is praised. Rejecting insects is condemned. The phenomenon grows and continues to reinforce its positive image as a popular food.

Phase 5 : from popular to political

The Overton window is now wide open. In this final stage, the legislature will legalize the phenomenon. Insect supporters consolidate in politics and find more and more representation.

An idea that was initially unthinkable and immoral has entered the collective consciousness and become a norm.

The reverse is also possible with the filosophy of the Overton window. Consider, for example, cigarette smoking. In z not so distant past, smoking was socially accepted and permitted everywhere. Smoking was widely advertised. All major sporting events, car races, parties ... were adorned with cigarette advertising. Newsreaders smoked on camera, artists, movie stars, pilots, in short everyone with a certain name was depicted with a cigarette. Anyone who did not smoke was an outsider. In just a coupe of years this was completely overturned by using the Overton Window technique.

They did the same with the vaccination campaigns. The idea of natural immunity was completely pushed aside. Public health can only be safeguarded by total vaccination of 100% of the population. The Covid19 policy failed but in a next pandemic they will push it even harder until phase 5 is reached.

Public perception of any idea can change, no matter how crazy it is.