ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Flawed argumentsLabelling
A label (“oversensitive”, “always negative”) instead of a factual point – the problem is shifted onto the person.
Instead of a factual objection, the person gets a label – “oversensitive”, “always negative”, “a born critic”. Attention shifts from the problem to their character, and their point no longer has to be dealt with.
At a residents' association meeting: “Mrs Hill is being negative again, so we can skip her objections to the budget.” What exactly Mrs Hill found in the budget, nobody hears.
How to spot it
- Judging someone's character instead of describing specific behaviour or results.
- Words like “always”, “again”, “typical of you”.
- Once the label is attached, nobody talks about the issue itself.
How to check and what to do
- Ask: “What specific behaviour or result do you mean?”
- Bring the conversation back to the content: what exactly is wrong with the point raised?
- If you are the one labelling, try saying the same thing as a description of the situation rather than a verdict on the person.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/labeling