Politics look nothing like it used to. President Donald Trump, in an interview talking about the breached ceasefire between Israel and Iran, dropped an f-bomb on live television. On the same day, Vice President, J.D. Vance, raised his middle finger during a speech at a Republican Party dinner in Ohio. These are not isolated incidents. Since Trump first took office in 2017, the once politeness of politics has vanished. Crudeness is the new normal – and it’s not just politicians that are to blame.
Politicians used to understand that a certain poise or decorum was not just encouraged, but expected. Figures like Ronald Regan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama upheld a sense of propriety, understanding that words, as well as demeanor, carry significant weight. That standard is lost. Now, profanity and obscene gestures are not only the new normal, but are used as strategic tools. These once disqualifying actions are used by politicians to appear “authentic” or “real.” Shock value garners all attention, and people in power use it to rile up their supporters. And, guess what takes a backseat? Substance. Politics have become purely theatrical.
There’s one thing politicians know how to do – rally support behind them. So, when voters respond positively to this outrageous behavior, of course they are going to continue. Voters have increasingly begun equating unfiltered actions with honesty. In an era of Trump, people enjoyed that he was “unlike other politicians.” But, in reality, they were just mistaking rudeness for authenticity. Social media also encourages this. Inflammatory soundbites reward those who provoke rather than persuade. Vulgarity has become celebrated. Civility is outdated. And, professionalism is dying.
These actions don’t just exist in a vault. The rise of unprofessionalism is chipping away at trust in institutions and making mockery of the seriousness of policymaking. Leaders are acting like bullies, and it is signaling a shift where citizens care more about spectacle. It is becoming normal to act this way in the Capitol, so, of course, this trickles down to everyday discourse. People think it is okay to speak in hateful ways because, hey, the president does it. Being civil is not a weakness, and voters need to push back on this trend. Politeness garners respect and is fundamental to great leadership.
