Thought on Tap

Democracy, Profanity, and Dissent

This episode of Thought on Tap will center on the politics of profanity, exploring the tension between civility and vulgarity in democracies. From the obscene political comedies of democratic Athens to the crude pamphlets that fueled the French Revolution, profanity has long been a rhetorical weapon for those outside the halls of power. Current populist movements continue in this tradition, using profane (often crude) language to confront the status quo and signal their outsider credentials. Unsurprisingly, many find the use of such language offensive. But when is this offense justified? Can we distinguish between righteous anger and vicious cruelty? When is civility a democratic virtue, and when is it a tool used to silence dissent? And who gets to define “civility,” anyway? Join us at The Holland Project for a timely and provocative panel discussion about democracy, language, and what it means to be heard.