'Let's go Brandon' and the anti-civility arms race
Let me lay my cards out on the table: I'd rather not be writing about "Let's go Brandon," a culture war kerfuffle that is the very definition of "more heat than light." It's an expression of anger that exists only to create more expressions of anger — an ouroboros of political rage, feeding on itself forever. There will be no winners, and nothing useful will come of it.
But the controversy is worth mentioning for one small reason: To note that Americans have more or less given up on practicing civility in favor of arguing about civility.
If you aren't already familiar with the topic, "Let's go Brandon" has become the favored chant of conservatives across the country — a purportedly non-vulgar way of saying "F--k Joe Biden." In recent weeks, the phrase has been chanted by crowds in packed sports stadiums, purportedly uttered by a Southwest Airlines pilot preparing for takeoff, and gleefully used by naughtly little members of Congress. This has made some people mad.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Could the contrast be any greater?" wrote Dana Milbank at the Washington Post. "Half of America's leaders are trying to govern, and the other half are hurling vulgarities." And vulgarity is nothing new for the right: Who can forget Vice President Dick Cheney telling Senator Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) to "go f--k yourself" on the Senate floor? And have we already forgotten former President Donald Trump's Twitter feed?
But let's be honest here. Liberals don't have much room to complain about political civility — not after four years of "F--k Trump" group art projects and awards show speeches; not after progressive activists harassed Sen. Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.) in a public bathroom and hassled the bride's family at a wedding simply because Sinema was in attendance; not after then-Trump press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was famously turned away from a restaurant where her family sought to eat.
Bothsiderism is out of fashion these days, but: Both sides do it.
As a general rule, we expect more civility from our political rivals than we're willing to give them, which makes it certain we'll never get it. Your breach of civility is a trespass against good taste and decent manners, while my breach of civility is a righteous stand made necessary by your terrible political positions. There's a perpetual war on courtesy, consideration, and respect in our politics, and nobody's disarming. "Let's go Brandon" is dumb and kind of offensive, which means it's a perfect fit for American political discouse.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
'Horror stories of women having to carry nonviable fetuses'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Haiti interim council, prime minister sworn in
Speed Read Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns amid surging gang violence
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 26, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - teleprompter troubles, presidential immunity, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Is the Supreme Court about to criminalize homelessness?
Talking Points The court will decide if bans on outdoor camping are 'cruel and unusual'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
It's not really about Biden's brain — unless it is
Talking Points Depending on who you ask, the renewed focus on the president's mental acuity is an election-year distraction, a legitimate point of concern, and sometimes both
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The politics of music: should political rallies use well-known songs?
Talking Point The Smiths star Johnny Marr is latest musician to object to use of his music at a Donald Trump rally
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published