A Decency Deficit
Small cruelties can add up to far larger ones.
I noted this story (and I think it was noted in one of the Open Fora) earlier this week, via Erin in the Morning, “Have You No Decency?”: Republican Calls Sarah McBride “Mister,” Dems Erupt And End Hearing. It was also reported in the mainstream press, including NBC News: House Republican adjourns hearing after exchange over misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride.
From the Erin in the Morning write-up:
“I recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” said Representative Self.
“Thank you, Madame Chair,” McBride responded before beginning to speak—only to be quickly interrupted by ranking Democrat Bill Keating, who turned to Self in disbelief.
“Mr. Chairman… could you repeat your instruction again, please?” Keating asked.
Self attempted to justify himself. “Yes, we have set the standard on the floor of the House, and I’m simply—”
Keating cut him off. “What is that standard, Mr. Chairman? Could you repeat what you just said? When you introduced a duly elected representative from the United States of America. Please.”
Self doubled down. “I will. The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
Keating, his voice rising, fired back. “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Have you no decency? I’ve come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent.”
Video of the interchange can be found via the link.
So, of course, the answer to Keating’s question is no. Self was demonstrating an utter lack of decency all in service of bigotry and cheap political theater.
And it is worth noting that if a person is to be this cruel and disrespectful to a colleague and duly elected US Representative, they will be all the more willing to be cruel to faceless, nameless persons that they will never have to confront in person.
This is no different than being unwilling to dine in the same restaurant as a person of a different color. It is the same as the unwillingness of Whites to treat Blacks with respect in public in the past. It is the belief in a superiority that allows the mistreatment of others.
Why is it so hard to see the innate humanity of our fellow citizens? Why is it so hard to be respectful?
This was transgressive and cruel on purpose. And it sends a signal to others who will do more than just misgender someone. It is Self using a position of leadership to send bigoted signals.
All Self had to do was call her “Representative McBride.” It isn’t hard to be polite. And it is obvious that he was being provocative.
This was a choice, and it is a depressing and distressing commentary on where we are.
Thank you for highlighting this, Dr. Taylor. Absolutely this:
We need a means to simply upvote the OP. Nothing to add.
Self just guaranteed that he wins his next primary. He will be a hero on the right.
Steve
@Joe:
Yes, we do need to be able to upvote the original post.
I’m sure I’ve complained here before about the fundamental lack of decency on the right. Lousy people used to be shunned and had their worst impulses constrained by society. Now they’re empowered and some of the worst elected to Congress/presidency. Until we get back to a collective agreement about right and wrong I’m not sure how we fix things.
Agree, wholeheartedly.
This was an appalling lack of humanity, decency, manners…you name it.
And it will be celebrated in some circles. Which is disgusting.
ETA: Again, missing the late great Teve: “Shitty people with shitty values.”
“Without missing a beat, McBride responded by thanking Self and referring to him as “madam chair.”
Something all trans people come across is the person who is obnoxious in bringing up misgendering terms at every opportunity, and many they make up.
It gets worse. Some of these uncivil individuals even claim to be supportive. I know I’ve met my share.
“Petty” dicktators.
In the “past?” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Lincoln called them “the vicious portion” of society.
Teve called them “shitty people with shitty values”.
Not to quibble, but I thought Teve’s phrase was “stupid people with shitty values”?
@DeD: Fair. I was referring to when it was broadly socially acceptable.
But I take the point.
I don’t have an answer to this but what is broadly socially acceptable has changed a great deal. For a pluralistic society, how do we deal with groups having different views on what is socially acceptable?
For instance, if you go into Catholic discourse (Reddit forums are easily readable), they think it is harmful to individuals who are “disordered” if you are untruthful in their birth gender; that calling them by their preferred pronouns is harmful. Not that there aren’t pockets of Catholics who are welcoming but the vast messaging of denouncing “gender theory” come from the Vatican. Catholics aren’t the only religion who have difficulties on what is socially acceptable now, but it is a major one.