Screw Nice

From the critically acclaimed author of On Reckoning, a powerful examination of how the politics of civility attempts to shut down debate. But when lies are treated as truth, the only thing we can do is speak up and screw nice.

The imbalance between those in power and those who oppose injustice is growing. And yet, to stifle argument, those who hold all the power use demands for civility as weapons, to control discussion and negate the legitimacy of differing opinions.

We are told we have to 'keep things nice', 'be polite' and 'keep our voices down'. Using the wrong language? You're too volatile to be heard. Angry over inequities? You're too emotional, too immature. Blowing a whistle to protest? You are dangerous. Marching in the street? You are incendiary. Daring to not smile sweetly? You are childish. And worse, say the wrong thing and you can be targeted through financial, legal and reputational consequences that can affect your livelihood and personal safety.

To be heard, you must be polite and follow the rules. But those rules are different, depending on your income, religion, social status or gender. At a time when wars are killing civilians in obscene numbers; when women are being murdered every week by someone close to them; when politicians are reinventing history to suit their agendas; and when science is telling us we have to do something to protect the planet, the politics of civility is a tool used by those in power to suppress marginalised voices. It discredits those whose perspectives we need to hear. It is stifling important information.

When lies are treated as truth, the only thing we can do is speak up and screw nice.

Amy Remeikis, one of Australia's best political journalists and incisive cultural commentators, masterfully illuminates the personal and the public to hold a mirror up to our society, political systems and treatment of those who don't hold political or financial power to show us the time for being silenced has to end.