Disrespect Vs. Vulgarity: What Really Offends Us?
Start writing a post
Politics

Disrespect Vs. Vulgarity: What Really Offends Us?

Maybe Trump's leaked "locker room" conversation shouldn't surprise us so much.

31
Disrespect Vs. Vulgarity: What Really Offends Us?
TheNib

I have seen many people denounce Trump after hearing his recorded "locker room" conversation from 2005. Lots of people, even some big-name Republicans, have sternly condemned his use of vulgar language and his obvious disrespect for women. These people didn't just disapprove of Trump's conduct. They were APPALLED by it.

I think that the overwhelming response to the newly released recordings says something important about how our society links that which is unacceptable with that which is vulgar.

The Donald expressed all of the following prejudices and disrespectful comments. You cannot find examples of recent past presidential candidates saying things like this. These are unprofessional, offensive things to say. However, you will see that none of these expressions directly involve vulgar language.

1. When two Trump supporters beat a Hispanic homeless man because, as they put it, "Donald Trump was right; all these illegals need to be deported," Trump didn't condemn the act. He defended the brothers, reveling in the fact that such "people who are following me are very passionate."

2. He did say the following quote about Mexican immigrants, although some people have argued about what he meant by saying so: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best... They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” Even if Trump meant to say that "a few of them are rapists," that isn't what he said.

3. On his show "The Apprentice," he demeaned female contestants. For instance, he said, "It must be a pretty picture, you dropping to your knees," to Brande Roderick. He also showed his complete lack of understanding when it comes to women's agency, saying in an interview that "All of the women on The Apprentice flirted with me - consciously or unconsciously. That's to be expected."

4. During this presidential campaign, Trump has made gross generalizations about what it's like to be an African-American, saying that their neighborhoods are "war zones" and that black people only see failure in their communities. Matthew B. Platt, a political scientist quoted in the New York Times, pointed out that "Someone like George W. Bush, to his credit, actually went to black audiences with people who had real connections to black communities. He actually made those kinds of connections to then filter down to regular black people. Trump is not doing anything of that sort.”

5. He tweeted this about his opponent, Hillary Clinton.


And the list could go on forever. These statements didn't involve "bad words." Therefore, many Trump supporters celebrated them as the purest pearls of free speech. People got excited about Trump's devil-may-care attitude... until the "locker room" conversation leaked, and then people started caring about the disrespect evident in his words.

Vulgar language denotes disrespect. But it isn't the only thing that does. The way that Trump has conducted himself day after day denotes disrespect for not only women, but for many other groups.

Our society seems to be withdrawing its support from Trump after this conversation was leaked... and honestly, it makes it seem like we're punishing Trump for using curse words on his day off. Not because it's okay to speak of women the way that he does... but because we already knew that he regarded women that way. We were fine with the sexist narrative until we heard it with ugly, yucky words embellishing it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

97136
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments