Playbook: Manufacture a controversy

Alert reader BZ suggests that the example from yesterday also illustrates the tactic of manufacturing a controversy. This tactic, when conducted well, has several potential outcomes. Among them are diverting attention away from governing to the agenda of the inciters, and smearing those in charge with blame for supposed scandals. Those using the tactic often could care less about the subject of their supposed controversy. It is the simple existence of a controversy they find valuable.


I agree.



This tactic is often known as creating a tempest in a teapot.