9 months ago
Gen Z Redefines Political Language in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, young people called Gen Z are changing how politicians talk.
They are using words like 'bro' instead of older, traditional words.
Two new political groups, led by a famous actor and a filmmaker, are using this new language.
Older political parties are still using old words, but they are not as popular with young people.
Sociologists say this change shows that politics is becoming less about big ideas and more about personal charisma, especially from film stars.
The young people are more focused on their careers and are looking for leaders who can inspire them.
Gen Z is introducing new political language in Tamil Nadu, using terms like 'bro' instead of traditional words.
Two new political parties, TVK led by Vijay and NTK led by Seeman, are spearheading this linguistic change.
Older political parties like the BJP and Congress are still using traditional language, limiting their appeal to young people.
Sociologists attribute this shift to the depoliticization of communication and the influence of film stars in politics.
Vijay's political rallies are shorter and more dialogue-like, contrasting with the longer, ideologically driven speeches of older parties.
- Who
- Gen Z, political parties in Tamil Nadu, sociologists S Thirunavukkarasu and C Lakshmanan
- What
- Redefinition of political language in Tamil Nadu
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, India
- When
- Present day, with historical context from the past 60 years
- Why
- Influence of Gen Z and changing political dynamics
Key facts
- Key Political Parties
- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), BJP, Congress
- New Political Lingua
- 'bro' (TVK), 'urave' (NTK)
- Old Political Lingua
- 'aiyya', 'anne', 'ji', 'Thambi', 'udanpirappe', 'en raththathin raththame'
- Political Figures Mentioned
- Vijay, Seeman, K Annamalai, CN Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, MGR
- Sociologists Mentioned
- S Thirunavukkarasu, C Lakshmanan
Quotes
S Thirunavukkarasu
Sociologist teaching at the Central University of Hyderabad
“It is symptomatic of the advent of depoliticised political communication. Though it was a failure of the Dravidian parties, the Left also has a share in this decadence. Not all those who swarm to the rallies of Vijay are illiterate. But they are politically castrated. The economic trajectory of the country and particularly Tamil Nadu after the 90s has made the youth highly individualistic, career-oriented and ultra conservative but looking for a messiah in a film icon.”
thestatesman.com
“The conferences of the Self Respect Movement of Dravidian icon Periyar EV Ramasamy and that of the DMK since its inception in 1949, and of the Left parties were designed to educate the party cadre. Also, they were part of mass mobilisation.”
thestatesman.com
C Lakshmanan
Former faculty at Madras Institute of Development Studies
“This is due to political immaturity and lack of sincere political engagement with the people. Further, this displays overconfidence that film charisma is enough for success in electoral politics.”
thestatesman.com
