This is interesting and thought-provoking. Governments try to divide people by stirring up tensions around race, class or even whether you support the EU or not! This takes our attention away from their corruption. It's great that you and Phillip had the sense to rise above this.
Exactly the same goes on in the UK, only our politicians are a bit sneakier about it. They use speechwriters and voice coaches to make their words sound ethical and sincere while they loot the coffers, often using quite complex strategies.
I used to be a very active member of Toastmasters, the international public speaking club, and I remember watching a very interesting presentation from a man who was a professional speechwriter for several powerful politicians!