The Scarecrow (from The Wizard of Oz) appears onscreen and speaks to the camera, telling us that he is tired of being besmirched due to “straw man” arguments by politicians, including the president. “This sort of guilt-by-association makes all straw men look bad, and it’s unforgivable. If they’re going to lie, then they should just lie, rather than using arguments that make straw men look bad.” Then the Scarecrow points to statistical evidence (in the form of graphical charts) of attacks on straw men that have happened since politicians have been using “straw man” arguments, saying that the lives of straw men were peaceful and happy before they were drawn into dishonest political claptrap narratives, and that it must stop to protect innocent straw men from the abuse they receive because they are blamed for the “straw man” arguments used by politicians, including the president. Just because these dishonest lying politicians use “straw man” arguments, it doesn’t mean they are written by or pushed by actual straw men, and straw men should not be blamed for these reprehensible tactics. This use of “straw man” arguments is quite simply marginalizing and bigoted towards actual straw men. The words we use matter and actually hurt people, so stop attacking straw men and just admit it’s what it really is: lies and misrepresentation.
When you think about it, the Scarecrow has a point: why is it not permissible to criticize any other group when it’s fine to besmirch straw men and blame them for all the dishonest politicking by non straw men? And why do straw women not get an equal blame? It’s just sexism pure and simple, as well as anti-straw bigotry. No wonder the Scarecrow is mad.
