A Question: A Term That Keeps Coming Up In The Primaries Is 'Oligarchy' Do You Think.....

[global1]

the average American knows what the definition of that term is and should those that use it define or explain it in more simpler terms?

[blue neen]

1. No, I do not think the average American knows the definition of the term "Oligarchy".

It should be explained in terms that everyday Americans can relate to.

[hobbit709]

4. OK. TPTB have everything and us peons ain't got shit.

[blue neen]

6. I was answering the OP.

Most Americans don't know what the term Oligarchy means. I do know, by virtue of my college education and several hideous Economics classes.

Thank you for the explanation, but the message needs to go out to all Americans.

[hobbit709]

2. Then it's about time they learned.

[Recursion]

3. No, and we lose votes whenever it gets used

Notice that Sanders doesn't use it, and won't.

[global1]

11. I've Heard Bernie Use The Term And It Did Come Up In The Cobert Appearance Last Night....

in fact that's what motivated my OP.

[In_The_Wind]

5. It's doubtful unless they take the time to look up the meaning.

1: government by the few

2: a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control

[mgmaggiemg]

7. I myself think it's intellectually immature....

that is to say for people who are just learning their vocabulary...I think when people are sure of themselves they just use plain english...no need to wave a flag that says you have a non=existent phd....it's rather exclusionary...why not speak in terms of workers rights and company owners or multi-national corporations or just robber barons.... or in terms of political power just poltical power brokers....who wish to amass power...that is what a federal centalized system is all about ....

[blue neen]

8. Good suggestions!

[Bluenorthwest]

14. Robber Barons is a historical term that means very little to modern people, even those who know the

term don't use it to describe current persons or paradigms. I myself think it is nasty to speak to people using verbiage edited to speak down to them out of some notion that they are just learning to speak. This 'we are so much smarter and have to explain things to them in easy words' routine is exactly what keeps doing harm to the Hillary campaign, I suggest taking notice and inventory.

[Glamrock]

9. Even if they don't know the definition

I think they'll be able to figure it out in the context of the conversation. It's not like anyone is just throwing the word out without discussing what the oligarchy is guilty of. But, perhaps I have too much faith in the electorate.

[Live and Learn]

10. Yes, the teens I have talked to seem to be quite aware of what it means.

Which is why they are supporting Sanders in droves.

[Downwinder]

12. If not, it is a statement on our educational system.

[Bluenorthwest]

13. Arguments that hinge on the concept 'other people are much stupider than me' are dubious arguments.

I'd say that you mean to ask if we should explain it in simpler terms or more simply, but that 'more simpler' has to be a typo consider you present as he who is smarter than those others.

I've heard the word out of teenagers up to Dick VanDyke who is 90. People learn what words mean not only in University but also by hearing the words used in context. VanDyke for example said
"The people at the top are running things. I’m really afraid that we’re an oligarchy already. I really do."

So oligarchy = people at the top are running things. It's not rocket science. It's politics.

[Zorra]

15. Oligarchy: "a small group of people having control of a country..."

I shortened the definition to help keep it from being tl;dnr.

Dictionaries should be placed in every motel room in America.