Considerations regarding the Overton-window

The Overton-window is a relatively well-known concept describing the specter of political ideas and opinions that are accepted in community conversation. This basically include ideas and opinions that can be formulated at an intellectual level. The Overton-window will usually gradually change with time.

The basis for our Overton-window to-day is what I have called “the story”, the neoliberal story. This dominant story defines what can be discussed at all and also the very basis for discussions. The story is usually considered an intellectual phenomenon. Our total universe of ideas, opinions, experiences, and feelings, however, is much more than what is expressed at the intellectual level.  The story is, in fact, heavily backed by advertising and other measures aiming at the subconscious level. Fake news also mainly is targeted at influencing the subconscious universe, not the intellectual level as such. All measures trying to manipulate people, basically aiming at the subconscious level are very serious regarding community conversation. It is also critical for valuing sound knowledge and opinions and facts that can be tested.

People are influenced both at the intellectual and subconscious level without being able to clearly keep these levels apart. This means that the Overton-window phenomenon in real life is much more complex than intellectually formulated opinions.

I still think a concept similar to the Overton-window might be useful as an aid for thinking in this wider perspective. I try to present a sketch also including the subconscious universe. The subconscious level is called habits in the sketch. Regarding habits there are demarcation lines regarding what is normal and accepted as well as this is the case at the intellectual level.

Critical thinking challenges the limits of the Overton-window in the long run.

Some considerations using this aid for thinking:

One special subject area is basic global challenges. They of course must be mentioned in public debate, but only in a very made-up way, making them harmless enough. They absolutely can’t be allowed to challenge our normal way of life. The crisis of nature and climate is an obvious example. This means that the crisis of nature and climate is discussed from a platform defined by the needs for leaving our normal way of life undisturbed, not from a platform defined by the needs of nature and climate.

Activism is to some degree possible. The goals set by activists, however, must be simple and clearcut enough to win supporters. A broader discussion outside the Overton-window is very challenging.

Some further tasks to study:

·       Testing the content and borders of the extended Overton-window

·       Discussing ways to expand the extended Overton-window

·       Discussing ways to circumvent the extended Overton-window