The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Please excuse me, is there a place for politeness in Australian politics?

  • Written by Katherine (Kate) Power, Lecturer in Management, School of Business, The University of Queensland
Please excuse me, is there a place for politeness in Australian politics?

Since former Australian of the Year Grace Tame declined to smile[1] in a photo opportunity with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, debate has raged[2] about what counts as politeness and impoliteness in Australian political debate.

Jenny Morrison recently told 60 Minutes[3] she wants her daughters to grow up “fierce and strong” but also “be polite and have manners”.

Meanwhile, the gloves are well and truly off in Canberra. As Labor claimed Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck had “failed in his job” and should be sacked[4], Morrison accused[5] opposition leader Anthony Albanese of “clearly [being] on the side of criminals” (during debate about deportation legislation) and labelled deputy leader Richard Marles, a “Manchurian candidate” (over past comments on China).

As we head towards another federal election, the temperature of debate will only increase. Is politeness compatible with politics? And what standards should we expect from our leaders?

Defining “politeness”

In 1978, American linguists Penelope Brown and Stephen C Levinson developed “politeness theory[6]”. This is the most influential scholarly work dealing with politeness. At its heart lies the notion of “face” or the public image we want for ourselves.

There are two types of “face”:

  1. “positive face” – our desire to be “appreciated and approved of[7]”. It can be threatened by accusations, insults and expressions of criticism or contempt.

  2. “negative face” – our desire for autonomy, including both freedom to act and freedom from other people telling us what to do[8]. It can be threatened by orders, requests, advice and threats.

Politeness might mean giving someone approval or praise, or minimising our imposition on them. But there are times when this is not possible or practical. In emergencies, for example, we might yell sharply at someone to get out of harm’s way, or to protect ourselves. As linguistic anthropologists Horst Arndt and Richard W. Janney[9] observe,

To not do this would require a radical suppression of one’s own interests and feelings, and an almost slavish acceptance of those of others. The result would be a total loss of personal face.

In situations such as these, a lack of conventional politeness is not only understandable, it just might be essential.

Defining impoliteness

Politeness theory focuses on what we say, but impoliteness can also be communicated by non-verbal behaviour[10], such as facial expressions, eye contact, voice quality and body movements. So, not smiling[11] in a photo opportunity may express positive impoliteness. Meanwhile, shaking someone’s hand[12] when they don’t want you to arguably shows negative impoliteness.

Kenneth Hayne and Josh Frydenberg
Kenneth Hayne also did not smile during a photo opp with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, when handing over the banking royal commission report in 2019. Kym Smith/pool/AAP

Linguist Jonathan Culpeper[13] says impoliteness involves “the absence of politeness […] where it would be expected”. And the more powerful and/or unfamiliar someone is to us, the more polite we are expected to be. He also explains[14] that some behaviours can be perceived as impolite if they just clash with how someone expects or wants them to be.

So, who decides what counts as politeness? And what happens when we disagree?

Context matters

There is a longstanding consensus[15] amongst linguists that nothing is inherently polite or impolite. Rather, the things we communicate take on these meanings from the cultures and contexts[16] in which they happen.

For example, recent research[17] suggests Australia’s brand of politeness prioritises “positive face,” with a high value placed on “being welcoming and showing solidarity and sympathy”. We also have an emphasis on what scholars call, “jocular mockery[18].” This includes various forms of teasing based on the view that people shouldn’t take themselves too seriously – or what is more commonly known as “taking the piss[19]”.

Read more: From 'Toby Tosspot' to 'Mr Harbourside Mansion', personal insults are an Australian tradition[20]

But ideas about gender[21] also play a significant role in our expectations here. For example, men who don’t smile[22] when they are expected to might be seen as “tough” or “serious”, while women are labelled “rude” or “disrespectful”.

Politeness in politics

Politics is not a warm and fuzzy profession by any means[23]. But in recent years, researchers have tracked a “shameless normalisation[24]” of verbal aggression, insults, racist and misogynistic attacks and hostile forms of humour from leaders such as Donald Trump and Silvio Berlusconi.

Closer to home, last week outgoing Liberal MP Nicolle Flint decried the abuse[25] she has received during her time in politics.

Men on the left, some of whom are public figures of influence, have done the following: they’ve stalked me, suggested I should be strangled, criticised the clothes I wear and the way I look, called me a whiny little bitch repeatedly, repeatedly called me weak, a slut […]

More generally, politicians[26] and scholars[27] have both observed that rudeness is not only expected but rewarded in parliamentary debates.

The risk[28] here is that voters just tune out and turn off (as any regular viewer of parliamentary question time can attest).

Caution: election ahead

Of course there is a difference in how politicians or political opponents behave towards each other and how they behave towards the people whose votes they want.

Politeness can play a potentially important role[29] in image-management. While he was opposition leader, for example, Tony Abbott was quick to distance himself[30] from placards belittling then Prime Minister Julia Gillard, after speaking in front of them at a public rally.

But here voters should take note of linguist Manfred Keinpointner’s warning[31]:

some forms of politeness, such as manipulative or insincere politeness, should be seen as […] impolite.

And as we reflect on what behaviour we expect and want from our political leaders and those who shape the national debate, we also need to ask to whose benefit it is to be - or seem to be - polite. Perhaps what we want more than conventional etiquette is what political scientists call civility[32] – or “respect for the traditions of democracy”.

References

  1. ^ declined to smile (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ debate has raged (www.theguardian.com)
  3. ^ told 60 Minutes (www.abc.net.au)
  4. ^ should be sacked (twitter.com)
  5. ^ accused (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ politeness theory (psycnet.apa.org)
  7. ^ appreciated and approved of (pure.mpg.de)
  8. ^ telling us what to do (pure.mpg.de)
  9. ^ Horst Arndt and Richard W. Janney (doi.org)
  10. ^ non-verbal behaviour (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  11. ^ not smiling (www.smh.com.au)
  12. ^ shaking someone’s hand (www.theguardian.com)
  13. ^ Jonathan Culpeper (www.sciencedirect.com)
  14. ^ also explains (www.cambridge.org)
  15. ^ longstanding consensus (doi.org)
  16. ^ cultures and contexts (psycnet.apa.org)
  17. ^ research (academic.oup.com)
  18. ^ jocular mockery (www.sciencedirect.com)
  19. ^ taking the piss (www.sciencedirect.com)
  20. ^ From 'Toby Tosspot' to 'Mr Harbourside Mansion', personal insults are an Australian tradition (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ ideas about gender (www.degruyter.com)
  22. ^ who don’t smile (www.news.com.au)
  23. ^ by any means (www.jbe-platform.com)
  24. ^ shameless normalisation (journals.sagepub.com)
  25. ^ decried the abuse (www.smh.com.au)
  26. ^ politicians (www.abc.net.au)
  27. ^ scholars (www.jbe-platform.com)
  28. ^ risk (www.theguardian.com)
  29. ^ important role (eric.ed.gov)
  30. ^ quick to distance himself (www.abc.net.au)
  31. ^ warning (benjamins.com)
  32. ^ civility (journals.sagepub.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/please-excuse-me-is-there-a-place-for-politeness-in-australian-politics-177437

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping