Milwaukee is Terrific
DON’T TAKE THE BAIT
Happy summer in Wisconsin! As Wisconsinites, we know how to take full advantage of these months, and we hope you’re having a lovely summer. Our state sure knows how to shine in the sun. And this year, the political spotlight is on Milwaukee as the city prepares to host the Republican National Convention (RNC). By now, you’ve surely heard Donald Trump’s remarks that Milwaukee is a "horrible city."
What a perfect example of “bait,” if there ever was one. In this month’s newsletter, we break down how this statement provides a poignant example of why public communications should avoid repeating or refuting such negative frames and instead how to focus on building a positive and unifying message that both energizes our base and motivates those in the middle.
Five Reasons to Not Repeat Outrageous Claims and Falsehoods
Repetition only reinforces: When you repeat a statement, even to refute it, you reinforce the frame it is in– NOT the frame you want. For example, if you say, "Milwaukee is not a horrible city," the phrase "Milwaukee is a horrible city" is still what will stick in people's minds. People tend to “forget-the-nots” in their subconscious and those dog whistles can seep in.
Where do you want the focus to be?: By engaging with Trump's negative description of Milwaukee, you allow him to set the terms of the debate. This distracts from discussing Milwaukee's strengths and the positive stories of its residents.
Buying into division: Statements like these seek to create and amplify division, most often around racial lines. By not repeating his message, you avoid amplifying this divisiveness.
Psychological Impact: Research in cognitive science suggests that people are more persuaded by positive affirmations of what can be done than by negative refutations of what shouldn't be done or focusing on what is wrong.
What is the goal?: As much as an opponent’s camp might want the public to think such statements are “gaffes,” the truth is that he said what he said for a very particular reason: to rally his base with a dog whistle. By repeating what he said, you’re only helping to expand his message - whether you intend to or not.
Five Ways to Counter Without Repeating
Point out the strategy: You don’t have to repeat a message in order to dismantle it. By telling people why your opponent is messaging the way they are, you are able to pull back the curtain and expose them without reinforcing.
Reframe the Conversation: Shift the focus to a positive aspect or a more constructive discussion that emphasizes unity and shared prosperity. Highlight what you love about Milwaukee instead. Point out that the false narrative is intended to undermine these things and create a negative perception of the city, often to divert attention from his own shortcomings or to manipulate public opinion.
Focus on Common Values: Emphasize shared values and goals that unite your audience across racial and economic lines. Appeal to principles like freedom, fairness, and community, showing how these values are embodied in Milwaukee’s efforts to support all its residents. Highlight that Trump's misleading statement attempts to weaken these shared values by sowing racial division, a tactic used to prevent us from collective action and solidarity.
Use Positive Language: Frame your message in positive terms that focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Instead of saying, "Milwaukee is not horrible," say something like "Milwaukee is a city of vibrant neighborhoods, strong communities, and rich cultural heritage."
Tell a Compelling Story: Share narratives that illustrate the positive impact of the community or the issue at hand, highlighting how people from different racial and economic backgrounds come together to create positive change. Personal stories can be powerful tools to show the collective strength of the community. You can also mention that divisive comments are often made to obscure these stories of unity and progress, aiming to maintain control and power by dividing communities.
Inspire Action: Encourage people to get involved in community initiatives that promote racial and economic justice. Provide concrete examples of how collective action has led to positive outcomes in Milwaukee, and invite others to join these efforts. Clarify (without repeating!) when misleading statements try to discourage such involvement as a tactic to maintain the status quo by preventing organized resistance.
Narrative Example
In Milwaukee, we believe in the power of each other. We are teachers, bus drivers, nurses, retail workers, students, faith leaders, caregivers, and more. We are a community that cares for one another. We believe that our communities know what we need to grow and thrive together.
Trump says inflammatory things because he wants to try to rile us up and divide us against each other. We aren’t buying it. We are onto his gimmick of trying to make us point the finger at each other while he and his cronies work to ban our reproductive freedoms, deny our children safety and resources, and hand the money they take from our communities to their corporate donors and wealthiest friends.
We deserve elected officials who care about all our hard-working families from Milwaukee to Menomonie, from Hudson to Omro. We know that all Wisconsin families-- including in Milwaukee-- deserve wages that can put food on the table and pay the bills. We know we deserve to be able to go to the doctor when we need care, have our mental health needs met, and move through our streets without fear.
We believe in Milwaukee because we believe in Wisconsin. And we are committed to electing leaders who will work for all of us, no matter what city, town, or village we call home.
