Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s remarks can not be condoned

“When they go low, we go high.” These words, spoken at the 2016 Democratic National Convention by Michelle Obama, were a reminder to her fellow Democrats to act with a manner of class and poise, especially at times when their Republican counterparts fail to do so. It is barely three years later and the party that once vowed to “go high” has stooped to the level of cursing in Congress.

I would not be devastated if President Donald Trump were to be impeached before the end of his first term. I also do not have an issue with most curse words, providing they are not insults toward groups of people. I do, however, think it is inappropriate to say, “We’re going to go in there, and we’re going to impeach the mother…,” a bar near Congress after being sworn in as a Michigan representative. Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s remarks only succeed in furthering the divide between the two primary parties, a chasm beyond repair.

A New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg recently published an article asserting the uproar surrounding Tlaib’s comments, in which she called for Trump’s impeachment, while referring to him by an expletive, was “monumentally stupid.” To an extent, I agree. There is nothing morally wrong with what Tlaib said, and thanks to the First Amendment, she has the right to express herself; a right I would die to protect.

However, those profane words should not have been used in Congress — a place work. Our representatives are expected to work in the best interest of the nation, this means acting civilly. Goldberg used examples of Dick Cheney cursing on the Senate floor and Trump bragging about sexual assault as reasons why Tlaib’s comments are to be excused.

The columnist defended Tlaib on the basis that her opposition was “misogynistic” and “racist.” On the surface, this argument holds. Sure, these men have said awful things, with one especially being far worse than the freshman representative’s statement. Why should a woman be penalized for similar, and, dare I say, milder, behavior? However, this argument fails to go deeper than the surface. I suggest the uproar over Tlaib’s expletive statement has little to do with the fact that she is a woman, and everything to do with the fact that she was stooping to the level of “Trumpian”, brash and crude language.

What Tlaib said was far less problematic than Trump’s arrogant remarks, however we should not condone this manner of unprofessionalism across the board. Trump is notorious for his Twitter rants in which he throws ad hominem attacks at those with whom he disagrees. Calling Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman” or former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman a “dog” are heinous, sexist attacks. Coming from the White House, this is an embarrassment.

Citizens from both political parties can usually agree upon the immaturity of these middle school-esque insults. In order to be consistent, we must also hold Tlaib accountable for her offensive statement. I cannot, in good faith, criticize Trump for using foul, degrading language, while simultaneously condoning Tlaib’s profane remarks. This country lacks civility and humanity. Slinging insults is easy, but being kind to those who have done nothing but tear us down is much harder.

In times such as these, it is important to remember Michelle Obama’s advice: “When they go low, we go high.” Trump has gone low too many times to count. Cheney went low. Tlaib went low. But we can do better. It is not too late to set a better example.

Young girls across the nation have heard Trump’s disparaging words. It is time for a new example. The new members of Congress have an opportunity to be that example with the record-breaking amount of women and minorities elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. We have to hold them accountable to be that example. When they go low, we still go high.

Hannah Whitaker is a UF English sophomore. Her column appears on Mondays.