Brezhnev Stage

The stage in an ideology's dominance where people under its dominance pretend to believe in it to avoid getting into trouble.

Usually implies that, despite or even because of the pretence involved, most people are hostile to the ideology, and are barely restrained from voicing their displeasure or disbelief by fear of dire consequences.

Named after Leonid Brezhnev, former leader of the USSR, whose rule saw a massive outbreak of cynicism about the ruling elite, and the attitude of "We pretend to work, and they pretend to pay us."

Guy: What did you think of that diversity seminar?
Jules: I think those people are nuts. At least half of white America is at the Brezhnev stage with diversity and affirmative action. The other half hasn't been mugged yet.

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