# 27. Rhetorical manipulation ## 27.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 27.5.2. Emotional Appeal #### 27.5.2.4. Appeal to Ridicule A favourite tactic of modern politicians, which presents an opponent's argument as absurd, ridiculous, or in any way humorous. It is difficult to defend against, because it triggers emotional reactions and not rational ones, leading to overreaction, anger, or withdrawal. To be effective, ridicule requires an audience because it is based on instilling contempt for the victim or their cause. The best defence is to laugh it off, while ridiculing the attacker back, as if you were his friend. ***Parent:** [[Emotional Appeal]]*