Donald Trump represents a larger cultural malaise: The normalization of naughtiness | Opinion

Civilization depends upon widespread acceptance of enlightened norms of speech and behavior. This includes a fundamental commitment to truthful communication and a basic dedication to cooperative problem solving and the respectful rituals of civil society.

In a democratic civilization, enlightened citizens ought to share an allegiance to the democratic decision-making process and respect the rule of law.

We are not born valuing these things. Instead, they are taught as part of what sociologist Norbert Elias called “the civilizing process.” Children must learn to eat with silverware, use the bathroom and cover their mouths when they sneeze. They must also learn to take turns, say “thank-you” and shake hands. They must be instructed to avoid belittling and badgering other people. And they must be taught that when they lose a game, they can’t kick the table over.

Opinion

The deepest lessons of enlightenment are cognitive and moral: Over time, we learn to value logic and the truth. Eventually, we understand that all human beings possess inherent dignity.

The great German thinker Immanuel Kant explained that enlightenment demands that we overcome immaturity, cowardice, laziness and irrationality. It is easy to do what comes naturally and say whatever pops into your head. It is more difficult to restrain your animal urges and develop your humanity. It takes effort to think critically; and it requires wisdom to understand that civility is good for everyone.

The good news is that most of us have learned the lessons of enlightenment. The vast majority of people follow the rules, speak truthfully and practice kindness. Kids learn this at home, in school and on sports teams. Adults demonstrate civility in business, social clubs and domestic life. We understand that “unsportsmanlike behavior” is wrong. And we agree that uncivilized rule-breakers should be punished.

So it is discouraging when folks embrace the dark side and reject the values of enlightened civilization. Unfortunately, this dark theme is embraced by Donald Trump’s campaign.

At a rally in Wisconsin last week, Trump described his own speech, a talk laced with anti-immigrant rhetoric, as “a dark speech.” And in Pennsylvania on Sunday, Trump called for “one real rough nasty day,” “one really violent day,” “one rough hour” as a way to fight crime.

This unenlightened nonsense is linked to the mean-spirited lie about Haitian refugees eating cats and dogs. It is also linked to Trump’s childish name-calling and the way he mocks his opponents. Trump recently claimed that “Lyin’ Kamala” is mentally disabled. He refers to Tim Walz as “Tampon Tim.” And on it goes.

Liberals and conservatives should both be aghast at all of this dark drivel. In the LA Times, conservative pundit Jonah Goldberg called out Trump’s “apocalyptic rhetoric” and hypothesized that the former president was trying to appeal to those who are turned on by “bigotry, crudeness and violence.”

Goldberg may be right about this as a strategy. But the bigger concern is about the normalization of naughtiness and the turn against enlightenment. Trump is a symptom of a larger cultural malaise.

We see the encroaching darkness in a variety of places. Politicians who refuse to accept the outcome of democratic elections are part of the more general problem of scofflaw behavior and rudeness. On the freeway, everyone speeds and aggressive drivers swerve into the exit lane at the last minute, and there has been a general coarsening of speech and image in film, fashion and entertainment.

Instead of seeking wisdom and the uplift of others, many Americans have become trolls who dwell in darkness and delight in disparagement. In this uncouth culture, it is not surprising that candidates belittle their opponents while bullying the weak and mocking the disadvantaged.

When crudeness becomes common and rule-breaking becomes regular, the fragile veneer of civilization weakens. The tone of the Trump campaign is a warning about the darkness.

The solution is moral education that reorients us to enlightenment. The lessons of civilization are deceptively simple: Kindness and honesty are good in themselves. Society thrives when everyone plays fairly and follows the rules. Lying and name-calling are undignified and childish.

Most of us understand these lessons, but they can be forgotten. When darkness is normalized, we must reaffirm our commitment to the light.

Andrew Fiala is a professor of philosophy at Fresno State University.