2024-02-12 17:35:50
While Cameroon announced a 15% increase in gasoline prices at the beginning of February, an informed Internet user deciphered in detail on social networks the behind-the-scenes of this psychodrama. And denounces a vast manipulation of minds via the famous “ Overton window“. Explanations.
Passing the pill with a decoy
It all started with an explosive rumor that panicked Cameroonian social networks at the end of January: an imminent general surge in the price of fuel, all products combined. Enough to provoke a popular outcry and push the government to urgently organize a meeting of “consultation” with consumer associations.
Except that behind this facade, a malicious Internet user has identified a vast manipulation intended to “sweeten the pill” of an increase that has become inevitable. By enlarging the line via apocalyptic projections, the authorities sought above all to skillfully maneuver public opinion to better pass the snake of an increase ultimately ” limited« .
A sham victory for cheated citizens
Because in the end, if gas and kerosene will be spared, gasoline and diesel have increased by 15%, in accordance with the government’s initial discreet plan. But in the meantime, the latter will have succeeded in his bet by playing with the primary fears of public opinion: to pass off this +15% as a victory, even though the fiscal bludgeoning continues in complete discretion.
And our political analyst denounces this twisted move worthy of a conjurer, consisting in ultimately widening the “Overton window”. Understand: extend the scope of collective tolerance to increasingly painful measures that would have appeared radical in normal times.
A lesson in realpolitik for citizens
In short, through this merciless decryption, the Internet user will have offered a real lesson in realpolitik to his compatriots. And demonstrated by the absurd to what extent the most critical and sharp minds remain essential to counter the Machiavellian stratagems of leaders.
Because from now on, deception no longer takes hold among a people who have become mature and aware of the need to ferret out manipulations, however sophisticated they may be. This collective awareness will perhaps constitute, who knows, a first step towards the advent of a real social contract in Cameroon…