It is hard to change long-standing narratives. The popular understanding of complex subjects often includes ideas that are well-past their ...
It is hard to change long-standing narratives. The popular understanding of complex subjects often includes ideas that are well-past their sell-by date, an yet persist – either because they are intuitive, compelling, have seeped into the media or because someone has a vested interest in maintaining that impression.
Take, for example, the idea that high turnout in Indian elections is a sign of anti-incumbency. Not only does the data not back it up, experts seem to think it emerges from a couple of elections in 1967 and 1977, about a half-decade ago.
They can even be internalised, like Indians believing they are middle class – no matter where their income falls on the spectrum.
One of the questions we likes to ask most on our newsletter – the Political Fix – which features an interview with experts and scholars on Indian policy, politics and beyond every Friday, is about misconceptions. Specifically what misconceptions do you encounter all the time – from the public at large, from journalists and even from experts and scholars.
The answers are always interesting. So for the start of the year, we thought we would compile some of them for you to return to. You can read the entire archive of Friday Q&As here.
Do send in suggestions for who you would like...
