Talk:Reaganite
"Cult of personality"
[edit]Wiktionary defines "cult of personality" as "[a] situation where a leader (often a dictator) has been falsely idolized and made into a national or group icon and is revered as a result." Additionally, the Wikipedia article on the subject states that "[a] cult of personality arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized, heroic, and, at times god-like public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise."
The application of said term to Ronald Reagan, or, specifically, to the word "Reaganite," is highly debatable and in no way neutral. If no-one raises any objections, I will proceed to change the definition to "An avid supporter of Ronald Reagan."He who Geezes (talk) 18:02, 15 April 2013 (UTC)
- Neutrality isn't an issue. What matters is whether people use the term with this meaning (people may use language non-neutrally, but that doesn't make Wiktionary non-neutral). If you don't think so, you should submit it to WT:RFV. —CodeCat 18:11, 15 April 2013 (UTC)
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A Reaganite is simply one who strongly supports Ronald Reagan, not one who has been deceived into an unhealthy obsession, as the phrase "cult of personality" suggests. I have long used the word to describe myself and have never come across this definition in my life until now. A cursory search revealed a few unreliable sources confirming my definition, as well as this (see Blissing Out: The Politics of Reaganite Entertainment) in which the author explicitly states that he is referring purely to the political philosophy to which Reagan was aligned, not a personality cult. He who Geezes (talk) 22:53, 15 April 2013 (UTC)
- "Cult of personality" does sound needlessly negative. How about "advocate" or "supporter"? Compare Thatcherite, Blairite. Equinox ◑ 23:03, 15 April 2013 (UTC)
- Yes, edit instead of rfv. Mglovesfun (talk) 09:34, 16 April 2013 (UTC)
- I've been bold and changed it. Equinox ◑ 11:52, 17 April 2013 (UTC)