How to handle the "Gish Gallop" or "argument by verbosity"

July 9, 2024

Good morning. Remember that every day is a good day to practice having conversations focused on the truth about Palestine.

LEARN. A “Gish Gallop” is an argument technique used by people who - instead of desiring honest, fair, and truth-filled conversations - have decided to try to overwhelm and distract an opponent with as many (largely unsubstantiated) points as possible. The “Gish Gallop” is light on accuracy and heavy on trying to exhaust and confuse you with an endless string of statements, most of which will be nonsense.

Here’s what Bassem Youssef has to say about this (click below to watch a TikTok video from Middle East Eye).

@middleeasteye

Speaking at India Today's conclave event, comedian Bassem Youssef explains how Israeli propaganda of their war on Gaza is all about distra... See more

When a “Gish Gallop” happens to you (whether in real time or in the comments section of a post), here are a few beginner-level (meaning, it’s for those of us who are not trained in debating) techniques that will help you stand strong for Palestine even when faced with such absurdity.

• When the speaker appears to be done speaking or writing, you can call them out on their gibberish.

  • Respond with a statement such as, “You’ve said many things here which are known to be untrue and have no place in this discussion. I will not get drawn into this argument, which is based only on an overwhelming amount of unsubstantiated claims.”

  • Then remove yourself from the discussion.

• Ignore the speaker completely and present your own evidence.

• Pick just one statement that was offered and

  • Stay on this point; don’t get distracted or derailed.

  • Ask the speaker to clarify their stance, and to provide evidence and specific sources (especially useful if they are being purposefully vague).

  • Ask if they themselves believe it to be true.

• Report the speaker/writer to the moderator.

• Please remember that you do not have to continue to engage in a conversation, ever, particularly if you are unsafe for any reason.

NOTICE. What emotions do you feel when you picture yourself being assaulted with lies about Palestine? Whatever you are feeling, be assured this is normal for you. Noticing these emotions right now will help you regulate yourself in the moment a Gish Gallop happens.

ACT. Go to this post to prepare yourself with the truth about the most common lies Zionists will say about Palestine.

SHARE. Forward this to at least two friends who need to learn about what to do when a genocide-denying Gish Gallop is inflicted on you.

ASK. What else would you like to know about how to discuss the ongoing genocide in Gaza? Please reply to this email (or, if you are reading this online, leave a comment below) to let us know.*

In solidarity for Palestinian liberation,

Kay Coughlin, on behalf of the Shades of Anger collective

*You can also continue the conversation with us in the Speaking Up Network, a private social media platform co-created by Animah Kosai, one of the leaders of Shades of Anger.

Shades of Anger was created by a global collective of women to raise awareness and inspire action to free Palestine. We chose the name of our collective to honor the poem, “Shades of Anger,” by Palestinian-Canadian poet Rafeef Ziadah. We also believe in liberation for Sudan, the Congo, Haiti, and all places where systems of oppression are causing immense suffering and crushing the life out humans. We are led by women of the Global Majority/BIPOC. Shades of Anger is for everyone who wants to act for liberation and you can learn more about it here.