A Theoretical Framework of the Politics of Politeness

Alright - I think I bit off more than I could chew in the last update. I had a very complicated context and in my efforts to explain that, I think I lost people on what the real focus was. So I'm going to try again, approaching this time from a theoretical perspective. If you haven't read my previous blog, read this one first!

The "Politics of Politeness" is a phrase I utilize to describe the way that an individual (the Moderate) invokes ideas of being "nice" or "polite" as a way to silence or shame someone (the Agitator); as well as the structures of power which create and guide such an interchange. This Politics is usually invoked when the Agitator is questioning some system of oppression, which could create feelings of unease or defensiveness in the Moderate. The Moderate then makes a point to justify why the action the Agitator has taken or the statement they have made is inappropriate and violates the Politics of Politeness.

The Politics of Politeness

Note: This piece arises from “The Revolution Will Not Be Polite” by Rachael.  Stop right now and read that first!  This draws heavily on her work.

Recently, a transwoman from a neighboring county was suing her gym, because they denied her request to participate in a strength training programas a woman.  The news was posted to the FaceBook page of our local LGBT Center.  Within the comments, one self-identified bisexual man from outside our area - let's call him the oppressor - was defending the gym, using problematic logic like the “genetics” of sex and gender and his own activist work as justification and authority for his views.  The final comment had sat for about two days unchallenged by anyone else in the nearly-1,000-member group.