Standing Up Against Disrespect: The Call for Decency in Political Discourse

By Samantha N Marshall

“Standing Up Against Disrespect: The Call for Decency in Political Discourse”

In a recent political march against the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Government, a disgraceful placard was displayed by Leon Chaku Symister, an attorney at law and an official member of the Opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).

Although he did not name anyone explicitly, the implications were clear: he was targeting the elected members of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Government and, by extension, the Cabinet members.

Most disturbing was his use of the word “whore,” likely aimed at the sole elected female member of Parliament. Coupled with derogatory language regarding his perceived competency of the Government, this act is wholly unacceptable.

The lack of any disavowal from either the UPP or Symister himself strongly suggests that this was a deliberate choice of words. This is particularly troubling given that we have just celebrated International Women’s Day, a time when we advocate for greater female participation in politics.

Is this really the environment we want to foster for women who aspire to hold political office? Should political attacks on women be so humiliating and degrading?

It is crucial to consider that the elected member in question is a mother of two young children. Is this the kind of description they should hear about their mother? Does Chaku have daughters? Does he have sisters? Would he accept such a description being applied to any of the women in his life, including his mother?

As an attorney and an official within a political party, it is imperative to confront the moral decay we are witnessing in our society. Is this truly acceptable behavior? UPP, your silence speaks volumes. Is this really the kind of rhetoric you want to be associated with?

Furthermore, we must reflect on our own silence as women. Today it may be her, but tomorrow it could be any of us. Should we all remain silent in the face of such disrespect?

It is time to stand up against this behavior and demand a political culture that respects and uplifts women rather than degrades them. We must unite in our voices for decency and integrity in political discourse, for the sake of all women and future generations.

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