“It’s unfortunate how gutter language has become the new normal in what could have been an intelligent, truthful, and constructive discussion of issues”
CROCS. Baboy. Buwaya. Those are the invectives many of our haters hurl at us.
A quick scroll through social media is enough to show how political discourse in our country has sunk into the pit of name-calling and personal attacks.
Not that I mind being called names—it comes with the territory—but it’s just unfortunate how gutter language has become the new normal in what could have been an intelligent, truthful, and constructive discussion of issues that actually matter.
What’s even more alarming is that the kind of behavior once associated with paid trolls now seems to be the default script—not just for anonymous keyboard warriors, but for some of our own elected officials.
Who would have thought we’d see senators calling each other tuta on live television, or hear congressmen refer to their peers as buwaya in public?
It’s like the whole nation is tuning in to a never-ending reality show where insults are the main event and reason has long been voted off the island.
Sometimes, I check my message requests on Facebook, and I already know what to expect—insults, threats, and personal attacks.
What’s shocking isn’t that they exist, but that they’re written by real people, not bots. Some even have family photos and Bible verses on their profiles. It makes you wonder—how can people who seem decent, who probably teach their kids about kindness, become so cruel behind a screen?
So what happened to civility in political discourse?
Gone are the days when our leaders, despite their differences, debated with dignity. Remember when disagreements were handled with reason and respect?
When speeches in the halls of Congress reflected ideas, not insults?
Today, it seems like everyone’s just throwing mud—louder, nastier, and often without even a shred of proof.
Here’s the sad truth: the way we talk about politics today reflects the kind of politics we now practice.
First, much of what passes for “criticism” isn’t meant to enlighten—it’s meant to enrage. The goal is no longer to clarify the issues but to anger the people, to manipulate emotions so that outrage becomes the only lens through which we see public life. It’s not about truth anymore—it’s about traction. It’s about crafting viral posts, catchy hashtags, and dramatic takedowns.
The louder the insult, the more it spreads.
But here’s the thing: anger might win attention, but it never wins understanding.
And politics without understanding is just noise.
Second, many of these so-called discussions are not about seeking truth, but about building clout.
People twist facts, cherry-pick data, or outright invent stories to get likes, shares, or airtime.
Some politicians have learned that controversy pays more than character. Instead of being guided by principles, they chase popularity—and when popularity is the prize, decency becomes disposable.
The result? A culture where facts are flexible, and where truth is whatever gets the most clicks.
Third, there is no longer any respect in how we disagree.
Courtesy used to be the unwritten rule in politics.
You could attack someone’s position, but not their person.
You could debate without demeaning.
Now, it’s all about one-upping each other, getting the best insult, and leaving someone humiliated.
We’ve forgotten that disagreement doesn’t have to mean disrespect.
Politics has turned into a shouting match where the only measure of victory is who can throw the nastier punch.
Sadly, the lack of civility in our discourse mirrors the brokenness of our politics. When leaders abandon respect, followers follow suit.
When those in power treat words like weapons, the people learn to do the same. We can’t expect a healthy democracy when our daily conversations are poisoned with hate. Democracy needs debate, yes—but debate that is grounded in reason, respect, and responsibility. Without these, all we have left is division.
It’s time we bring back civility—not as a sign of weakness, but as a mark of strength. Respect doesn’t mean silence.
Politeness doesn’t mean passivity.
Civility is the courage to stand firm without tearing others down.
It’s knowing that disagreement doesn’t make someone your enemy, and that shouting doesn’t make your argument stronger.
Maybe it’s time we stop rewarding those who insult the loudest and start listening to those who speak with wisdom.
Maybe it’s time we stop sharing posts that divide and start amplifying voices that heal.
Because the problem isn’t just the noise we hear. It’s the silence of those who know better but choose not to speak up.
In the end, politics is not just about power—it’s about people.
And if we can’t talk to each other with decency, how can we ever work together for the common good?
The real test of leadership today isn’t just what we fight for—it’s how we choose to fight. And maybe, just maybe, the first step to fixing our politics is to remember our manners.
