Beware of Plagiarist-Politicians
This campaign period, if you haven’t already, you’ll surely be having an earful of political candidates’ campaign speeches, full of classic lines and oft-cited phrases. But even if voters can’t hold these promises to truth yet, they can be on the lookout for a common fault of public figures: plagiarism.
Recent history is rich with politicians and key personalities “borrowing” the words of authors and other icons in their public speeches and addresses, without their permission. Whether or not these are done in good faith, backlash both online and offline has been swift for plagiarist-politicians.
Sometimes just to inspire, but most especially in times where massive public support is needed, politicians can wax poetic in speeches in an effort to persuade the public.
In trying to move the public’s heart and capture their minds, politicians “borrow” the powerful words of others, often quoting authors, or particular passages in books, but forgetting to properly credit the source.
Given the immense power and value of words, copyright makes sure the copyright owner is credited and recognised creatively for his work. Copying substantial parts of an author’s work in a speech amounts to copyright infringement.
Copyright owners are given economic rights (right to earn from their work) and moral rights - right to be attributed and connected to a work.
Plagiarism can be considered a violation of the moral right of attribution.
Proper attribution of sources, contrary to popular opinion is not limited to students writing an academic paper, but a responsibility of anyone, (even more so, a politician) communicating and expressing ideas to the public.
So for political candidates and sitting politicians, whether the source of your inspired phrase or call to action is Pokemon, Batman, or J.K. Rowling, proper attribution is a simple, easy, and honest way to communicate with your constituents.