I'm very glad that there was, in fact, a consequence. I think that this kind of coarse language doesn't belong anywhere in reasonable dialogue between reasonable people. ... It gets ruined by this disgusting -- and I'll use the word 'disgusting' -- comment which doesn't belong in any polite company and certainly doesn't belong on any radio station that I would listen to.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rice condemns coarse language in dialogue, citing a specific disgusting comment she refuses to engage with.
- In plain terms
- She criticizes rude comments and insists on polite dialogue.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintaining decorum is often cited as a standard for reasonable political discourse.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is civility always compatible with truth?
- Where is the line between rude and necessary criticism?
Another view
Prioritizing politeness can sometimes silence necessary harsh truths.
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