Nutpicking is a rhetorical tactic used in online political discussion forums to find outrageous quotes or inflammatory statements from politically liberal contributors. The quotes are often presented out of context to suggest that all liberals are irrational “crazies.” This tactic is criticized, but not easily discouraged by applying standard “terms of service”.
The growing popularity of political blogs and online political discussion forums has given rise to a particularly nasty rhetorical tactic called spizzica. Nutpicking involves an often exhaustive examination of individual posts in order to find outrageous quotes or inflammatory statements, especially from politically liberal contributors. The deleted quotes, often presented out of context, are intended to demonstrate that all liberals are irrational “crazies.”
The practice of nutpicking has been sharply criticized by sponsors and moderators of many online discussion forums, but nutpicking is not a tactic that is easily discouraged by applying standard “terms of service”. The source material from which the quotes are culled may be perfectly acceptable when viewed as a whole. A Nutcracker strategically removes the most controversial or objectionable words from that post to suggest that the original poster is irrational, dangerous, or a member of the moody fringe.
An example of nut-picking might involve a liberal candidate posting his thoughts on the economy on a public policy discussion forum. He or she might say, “I’m not a communist, I’m not a Marxist, but I understand how some of these ideas might interest average workers who don’t seem to get a break under the current administration.” A supporter of that candidate’s conservative opponent might freak out and publish only a small portion of the original post: “I understand how some of these ideas (Communism and Marxism) might appeal to average workers.”
This selected quote, taken completely out of context, could make the Liberal candidate sound like a Communist sympathizer, even if the original quote makes no such claims. Nut-picking can be especially effective when the candidate’s words are presented out of context, but it can also be effective when quoting the more extreme views presented by equally extreme members of a political forum. Even if these views clearly do not reflect those expressed by the majority of participants, these carefully thoughtless quotations can undermine the credibility of all members of a particular political leaning, liberal or conservative.
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