propaganda technique

Appeal to pity

Also called: Ad misericordiam

An appeal to pity seeks agreement by evoking sympathy, guilt or compassion instead of giving reasons relevant to the claim.

How it works

Compassion is a good motive, but sympathy for someone does not make their claim true or their request justified. The emotion is used to make objections feel cruel.

Examples

"I've had a terrible year, so my late report should still get top marks."

Hardship may justify an extension, but not a grade the work did not earn.

"Think of the workers who will suffer. You can't oppose this merger."

The workers' situation needs to be weighed, but it does not show the merger is sound.

How to spot it

Sympathy is the main reason offered.
Objecting is made to feel heartless.
The request and the hardship are only loosely connected.

How to respond

Acknowledge the hardship and ask what it actually justifies.
Separate compassion from the claim being made.
Look for remedies that address the hardship directly.