“Questions (on The View) arose concerning the lack of civility especially when it comes to politics, the unprecedented rage and the lack of desire to listen to others’ point of view you disagree with.”
It is the evening of Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, as I am writing this article. Since late this morning, my thoughts have been on today’s episode of “The View” on the segment of “What Happened to Civility?”
Questions arose concerning the lack of civility especially when it comes to politics, the unprecedented rage and the lack of desire to listen to others’ point of view you disagree with.
In my opinion, it can’t be properly discussed in a 3-minute segment, just as much I can’t properly address it here because of space. This subjects concerning the lack of civility, the death of disagreement, and unprecedented rage would better be addressed in a book and or a documentary.
With the limited space I have, I can chat with you all on my opinion on this. If you are a regular reader of my articles/blog, you are very aware of one of my life mantras which is: “You can’t learn anything if you just hang with people who always agree with you.” I have been saying this for years.
Let me start off by saying that when Columbus and his merry band of thugs invaded this country before it was called America, civility towards Non-White people wasn’t on the menu in the name of colonization. Down through the centuries, European immigrants and a lot of their descendants has made it crystal clear that to be White, Heterosexual, Male, and “Christian” was and still is to be superior, and or civilized.
The lack of civility and respect went on steroids when the Southern GOP realized that they could make inroads with Dixiecrats that were angered over the passage of The Civil Rights Act of 1964/65. Out of that was the start of The Southern Strategy. Historically, it was a little more complicated, but because of space, I can’t go into all the ins and outs. Do your own research on the passage of The Civil Rights Act. When Conservative Talk Radio pundits and FOX Propaganda came on the scene, civility and respect further eroded. Conservatives had a platform to spread their lies and half-truths. Folks started to define news only as the information they agree with, and not facts The lack of civility and respect practically went out the door with the growing populace of Non-Whites which White Fear was born, Non-Whites and other marginalized groups gaining real power along with leadership positions.
When Barack Obama, the first Black person to be elected/re-elected in 2007 and 2012 as President of the United States, Conservative White America had a massive stroke. It was the GOP who made Barack Obama’s race an issue, ie, “The Magic Negro,” “Uppity” and a “Muslim” to name a few. They couldn’t stop there. Michelle Obama was compared to a gorilla, being Transgender knowing it would offend the LGBTQ community, and being bossy suggesting America eat healthier and exercise. Even their underage daughters were not free from Conservative’s maliciousness. Black folks gradually came to the realization that the Office of the President was never intended for us to aspire to and win. Other marginalized groups realize along with Black folks that “All men are created equal” was something the GOP never truly believed in. They talked the talk during campaign time but didn’t walk the walk if they were elected.
Why should Non-Whites, LGBTQs, Muslim Americans, and other marginalized folks be civil, respectful to folks who historically see us less than human, less valuable and disposable? As my buddy, Kansas City Drag Legend Miss Victoria Wells would say, “Those bitches can kick rocks.” We didn’t start the fire. Sadly, this is America.
Chuck’s Chat operates under an open authority. Opinions and comments are always welcome. Send them to soultraindancing@ yahoo.com
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