The Spiral of Silence theory was created in 1974 by a political scientist in Germany named Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann. The theory claims that people tend to stay silent when they feel like their views do not align with the majority’s view of the subject. The theory also claims that the main reason an individual will stay silent is due to a fear of isolation. This isolation does have a spectrum. There could just be isolation from one friend or one friend group. On the other hand, a person could have extreme isolation such as losing their job or status.
One important concept of the theory is that it revolves around major controversial topics such as abortion, presidential candidates, and legalizing gay marriage. People are not typically silent about their opinions for things that are not as relevant and controversial as their favorite fast-food restaurants.
The internet has opened up a world of opportunity for the people in the minority opinion groups. Being able to voice your opinion through a screen is a lot less intimidating than facing an entire group of people at an event that has opposing views. There can still potentially be extreme isolation consequences like losing your job depending on the manner of the message. The internet also gives the silent minority a way to connect with others with similar views that they otherwise would not have met. For example, Facebook groups are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and groups.
Throughout the presidency of Donald Trump, there have been extreme actions taken against Trump supporters. These actions have led to many Trump supporters not speaking up and sharing their side out of fear of isolation, judgment, and hate.
One example comes from Manchester, New Hampshire where homeowners in Milford and Brookline received letters threatening them for supporting President Trump in public. The letters claimed that the receivers had been identified as Trump supporters and their address been added to a database. The database serves as all of the places they should attack if Trump wins the election. The letter also recommended that they ensure they have quality coverage for fire damage on their home insurance policy.
I have also seen many statements posted on social media claiming that if you support Donald Trump then you automatically are put into a certain category or label. The article I read provides the following quotes.
“You cannot be a leader on racial justice and support Donald Trump.” - Dan Felte
“You cannot support Trump without implicitly endorsing his white supremacy.” - Dan Bristol, NextGen America
“Donald Trump is racist. If you still need to be convinced of that fact in 2020, you’re either also racist, due for some serious self-reflection, or both.” - Ronelle Tshiela
The University of New Hampshire Survey Center reported that ⅔ of Donald Trump supporters didn't want to put a Trump sign in their yard or a bumper sticker on their car out of fear of vandalism. The report also shared that 45 percent claim not to discuss their support for Trump with friends or coworkers.
I personally noticed way more social media posts, signs, commercials, and other advertisements supporting Joe Biden than I did for Trump. This could potentially be because of people’s fear of judgment, isolation, or another potential backlash.
This specific example of the Spiral of Silence theory could impact the outcome of the election. Only time will tell.
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