American political discourse has often been crude and demeaning.
American political discourse has often been crude and demeaning, full of hatred and name-calling. Mark Bowden’s essay is a good example of the rough-and-tumble discourse that has often characterized our political system.
American political discourse has often been crude and demeaning
Prep: Mark Bowden’s “’Idiot,’ ‘Yahoo’, ‘Original Gorilla’: How Lincoln Was Dissed in His Day” (p. 797).
Background:
American political discourse has often been crude and demeaning, full of hatred and name-calling. Mark Bowden’s essay is a good example of the rough-and-tumble discourse that has often characterized our political system. Perhaps that’s the double-edged sword that is a free press and widely diverse opinions among the citizenry.
Bowden’s essay serves as a useful corrective to those who think that the current state of American political discourse is at a low point. By picking a revered figure like Lincoln, Bowden is able to demonstrate that no politician is exempt from scorn or vituperation.
After reading “Idiot…” consider the following questions:
Firstly, Consider the ubiquity of social media and whether Americans’ jibes and complaints are more likely to be quot ed nowadays.
Secondly, What does that mean for political discourse?
Thirdly, Have you or anyone you know engaged in similar vituperation of a major figure in American life?
Fourthly, How seriously was the disparagement meant?
Further, Describe how the name-caller would feel about being quoted widely.
Moreover, Does Bowden have any solution to the name-calling Lincoln received?
Additionally, Share some possible solutions. OR whether solutions are even permissible given our commitment to freedom of speech.
Moreover, In some countries, it is a crime to disparage the head of state.
Consider arguing for or against such a practice in America.
Provide a thoughtful first post that considers the above questions in a minimum of fifteen sentences (min. 15 total).
MarkBowden797-801 will be in PDF.
Style: Not applicable with this assignment.
American political discourse has often been crude and demeaning
