Rethinking American Culture: Too Vulgar or Too Brutal?

A recent conversation on Quora highlighted a disturbing trend in American culture: the normalization of vulgarity and the glorification of tearing others down. This raises the question: has America become too vulgar, or is there a deeper issue of societal brutality?

America hasn't become too vulgar, but social media has amplified the race to the bottom.

The predominant narrative on social media is often a zero-sum game, where any form of confrontation is seen as a victory. This mentality can be characterized as a race to the lowest common denominator, where the ability to criticize or belittle others is celebrated. However, tearing something down is not a positive attribute on its own; it should be a last resort, not a badge of honor.

A More Brutal Reality

Some perceive the current state of American culture as a more brutal reality, where the central message is: "You're on your own. Everything that's happening to you is your fault, and you don’t matter." This mindset can breed a sense of apathy and individualism, encouraging people to focus solely on their own plight rather than communal obligations and responsibilities.

When society reinforces such a message, individuals are likely to internalize the notion that their problems are entirely their own fault. This can lead to a lack of empathy and a detachment from the wider community. As a result, people may become indifferent to the opinions and actions of others, which can have far-reaching negative consequences for social cohesion and mutual support.

The Culture of Vulgarity on Social Media

While America hasn’t become too vulgar overall, the social media landscape has certainly contributed to a more aggressive discourse. Consider, for example, the prevalence of nude image postings and self-revealing content. Selfies with exposed body parts, men asking about other men's underwear, and women sharing explicit photos – these behaviors reflect a culture that values exposure and self-degradation.

Moreover, there is a trend of using scatological and angry rhetoric to answer innocuous questions. This harsh and often disrespectful communication style can be detrimental to healthy social interactions. While some may attribute this trend to a generational gap, it’s essential to recognize that these behaviors are not inherently linked to age but rather to the cultural trends and social media norms.

The Role of Trump and the Rise of Rudeness

Many argue that the normalization of vulgarity and brutality can be traced back to the presidency of Donald Trump. During his tenure, there was a significant increase in the acceptance of rudeness and the expression of hate. The phrase "Trump has given license for the rude and hateful to crawl out from under their rocks" encapsulates the idea that his influence and the societal shifts he incited allowed for more overt and acceptable displays of disrespect and aggression.

The impact of Trump’s presidency on American culture is multifaceted. His rhetoric and actions created an environment where inappropriate behavior, including vulgar and hateful speech, became more visible and normalized. This shift in social norms has had lasting effects on how people interact with each other in both online and offline contexts.

Conclusion: A Call for Good Taste and Politeness

Despite these troubling trends, it’s important to remember that good taste, politeness, and moral behavior should never go out of style. While some behaviors and attitudes may shift over time, the core values of respect, kindness, and empathy remain crucial for a healthy and harmonious society.

As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, it’s essential to foster a culture that values constructive dialogue and respectful communication. This requires active participation from all members of society, including individuals, social media platforms, and policymakers, to promote and maintain social norms that prioritize positivity and mutual understanding.

In summary, while the cultural shift toward vulgarity and brutality is undeniable, it’s up to us to push back against these trends and work towards a more positive, respectful, and inclusive society.