General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Ideologically Pure Ruin US Politics [View all]CajunBlazer
(5,648 posts)I often use the "Gee, I'm not as smart as you" gig when dealing with someone who thinks that he/she is overly bright. However, if you really are bright I sure you already know that your explanation of why that particular passage from Animal Farm has anything to do with negotiation is unmitigated BS thrown together in a feeble attempt to avoid admitting you were wrong.
If you are actually familiar with Animal Farm you know that Squealer, the Pig that does the talking to the Animals in this scene, acts the propaganda expert for the pigs who gradually put themselves in the position of ruling over the other animals. While claims of self sacrifice are rarely an element of negotiation (all good negotiators would rather negotiate from a position of strength), they are often used in propaganda to assure the masses that the rulers have their best interest at heart. So Squealer isn't negotiating with the other animals, he isn't offering anything of substance in exchange for their support, he is instead using standard propaganda techniques to win them over. Fear is his main tool - the pigs need all of the good food so they can stay smart enough keep Farmer Brown from returning. He is using the self sacrifice angle simply to assure the other animals that the pigs have their best interest at heart. Standard propaganda and in no way negotiation.
I think you had better quit trying to convince me that you more intelligent, it isn't working.