My dear Fellow Gambians: This open letter is an invitation to all of us, especially our current and aspiring political actors – both leaders and led – to reflect on the moral economy of our political discourse, the nature and implications of our political utterances.
The letter is inspired by the fact that our political discourse is growing increasingly offensive, objectionable, and damaging to our social fabric and national aspirations. Yes, there are notable exceptions – a few political actors who never insult or demean their political opponents.
In general, however, the trend points to a troubling politics of hostile utterances that serve no one’s interest and that are inimical to the wellbeing of our dear nation.
Fellow Gambians: The moral economy of political discourse refers to the unwritten moral rules that shape the legitimacy of political speech, the credibility of speakers, the emotional responses of audiences, and the ultimate value of political utterances to the common good.
Political discourse is not merely the showcasing of partisan positions, the bashing of political opponents, safeguarding political interests, or scoring political points. It is also a moral performance.
Beneath every political argument, campaign speech, or public debate lies a system of values, expectations, and ethical judgments that govern how political actors – both leaders and led – communicate, address critics and opponents, mobilise support, or defend their preferred political loyalties.
That system of values, expectations, and ethical judgments needs to be kept healthy at all times.
Read Baba Galleh’s full Open Letter in the comments
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