It is a concept as old as Ancient Rome itself -- bread and circuses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_circuses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_c

It is a concept as old as Ancient Rome itself -- bread and circuses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_circuses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread_and_circuses Superficial means of appeasement, distractions, diversions, or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace. These things have been a staple of peace since time immemorial. > This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman satirical poet Juvenal (circa A.D. 100). In context, the Latin panem et circenses (bread and circuses) identifies the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which no longer cares for its historical birthright of political involvement. Here Juvenal displays his contempt for the declining heroism of contemporary Romans, using a range of different themes including lust for power and desire for old age to illustrate his argument.[5] Roman politicians passed laws in 140 B.C. to keep the votes of poorer citizens, by introducing a grain dole: giving out cheap food and entertainment, "bread and circuses", became the most effective way to rise to power. Humanity generally waxes and wanes between bread and circuses and political involvement. One could feasibly say they are diametrically opposed, but suffice to say it should to be clear that the pendulum has swung from the former to the latter and it will be difficult to reverse it forcefully.