fetishisation
/ˌfɛtɪʃaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
An excessive, irrational, or misplaced fixation on an idea or strategy, treating it as an absolute solution even when it proves ineffective or harmful.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'fétichisme,' which traces back to the Portuguese 'feitiço' (charm or sorcery). The term evolved from describing the superstitious worship of inanimate objects to a broader psychological sense of an obsessive, irrational attachment to a concept.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the liberal establishment's misguided tendency to prioritize compromise with aggressive political opponents. Butler argues that this blind devotion to reaching a middle ground actually emboldened their adversaries instead of de-escalating the conflict.
‘People are picking the dumbest fights’: the tortured history of America’s culture wars
Read the full article ↗The Guardian