The Overton window is a concept that describes the range of ideas that are considered acceptable in public discourse ¹. It is a model that helps to explain how political ideas can shift over time and how certain ideas can become more or less politically acceptable ¹. The Overton window is named after Joseph Overton, who developed the concept in the mid-1990s ¹.

The Overton window is often used by political strategists and activists to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions ². By shifting the range of acceptable ideas, they can make their own ideas seem more reasonable and gain support for their cause ². However, there are also concerns that the Overton window can be used to manipulate public opinion and push extreme or dangerous ideas into the mainstream ²¹.

Advantages of using the Overton window include:

• It can help to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions.
• It can be used to promote new or innovative ideas.
• It can help to create a more diverse range of opinions in public discourse.

Disadvantages of using the Overton window include:

• It can be used to manipulate public opinion and push extreme or dangerous ideas into the mainstream.
• It can be used to silence dissenting voices and limit free speech.
• It can create a narrow range of acceptable opinions, which may stifle creativity and innovation.

In summary, the Overton window is a concept that describes the range of ideas that are considered acceptable in public discourse. While it has advantages such as shaping public opinion and promoting new ideas, it also has disadvantages such as being used to manipulate public opinion and limit free speech.